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Rooney performs "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?"

Take one cup Beatles, one cup Beach Boys, toss in a splash of Weezer, a dash of the Cars, Queen and Cheap Trick and finish with a pinch of Jellyfish and E.L.O., and what do you think you’d come out with? Rooney, a band with rock-based licks, dance inducing drumbeats and catchy lyrics sung by swoon-worthy frontman Robert Schwartzman—younger brother to actor Jason (who, not coincidentally, is also the drummer for fellow LA pop band Phantom Planet) and son to actress Talia Shire. Rooney’s recently released CD, Calling The World (Geffen Records) follows the band’s 2003 self-titled debut album. Reminiscent of a mini-rock opera, Calling the World has gotten even more enthusiastic response than Rooney did, if such a thing is possible, the latter having been hailed as “The feelgood hit of the summer,” “The Real Deal” and “Perfect summer pop fun” by a host of jaded L.A. critics. If the company the band keeps is any indication of its future direction, early-career gigs opening for Weezer, the Strokes, OK Go and Pete Yorn have certainly steered Rooney into the adoring arms of young fans across the country. The current tour features Rooney solo, and it’s definitely their time. Local support comes from Picture This and Redwater.

Friday, May 25 at 7pm (doors). The Buffalo Icon, 391 Ellicott St. (842-0167)

www.thebuffaloicon.com.

$13 pre-sale (Tickets.com)-$15 at the door