The most exciting new group to emerge this year out of Tacoma has been the Academy. The crew quickly came onto the scene thanks to the veteran status of some of the members. $krilla met Eee-tree, Ghetto, Doe-Lo Rossi, Mistah Mac, Charlotte Smoot, Criss, Eli, Chad Larson and Jordan Pike at the audio-engineering program at Bates Technical College, and the rest is quickly becoming history. Some of the members MC, some produce, some sing, some play instruments and some just work the boards. The group's use of singers and live instruments is what separates them from the pack. The Academy's sound could be likened to a more mature, polished Darxiide, with access to better equipment. The crew stole the show this summer at Tacoma Hempfest where they had the crowd near the stage dancing. Thursday at El Perron see them in person for $krilla's birthday party.

[El Perron, with Matty, Makk Hussein, C-Logic, AR Mastermind, DJ Ice Man, $2, 13021 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.273.1777]