In an ideal world, Dave Fortin, lead vocalist of Boston rock band Six Day Slide, would like “The Final Countdown” to play as theme music each time he achieves a goal.

But until he reaches superstardom, Fortin will have to hum the tune quietly to himself as he and the band’s other three members continue to sell out campus and club shows across the Boston area. Founded in February 2003 from the ashes of other small bands Fortin had belonged to, Six Day Slide’s first project was a four-track album, “Held Under,” crafted under the tutelage of Grammy-winning producer John Seymour. With the release of their first full-length album this past February, a disc called “Lights,” Six Day Slide went for a more local feel, working on the album in their home city with Child Christianson and 10:35 Productions.

“Being here, we were more comfortable and able to pour our heart and soul into it,” Dave says. “Finally, this is it. We got it. This is us.”

www.sixdayslide.com Members: David Fortin, lead vocals and guitar Andrew Fortin, lead guitar, vocals Matt Beals, bass guitar Dave Jacintho, drums

Rhythm Ruckus Tufts/Marymount

Since opening for Ol’ Dirty Bastard in 2004, Rhythm Ruckus has caused quite a stir.

The hip-hop duo, made up of Doctor Caucasian and Scribe1, met before college but teamed up as undergrads-one attends Tufts and the other Marymount-and have performed their gritty, experimental music at venues throughout New England. Their style represents a re-emergence of raw, socially conscious hip-hop rap and a focus on urban America as seen through the eyes of youth.

Rhythm Ruckus waxes poetic about remaining positive in the face of adversity while working to break stereotypes about their own decidedly non-urban origins-their Facebook profile declares that “VERMONT HOMEGROWN IS BACK.” Watch out for their next album, “We Blow Minds for a Living,” to be released this fall.

www.ruckusnet.com Members: Dr. Caucasian (a.k.a. Keith Mackler) Scribe1 (a.k.a. Sam Neill)

Except after Sea Drexel

This down-home foursome from Langhorne, Pa. plays an eclectic mix of indie/experimental rock with an edge they term “post-hardcore.” Their vocals, distinctively tragic in the vein of some of the best indie bands, span a Bright Eyes-worthy spectrum of anguished to exuberant to soothing sound, and their lyrics provide intrigue to match. Flexible layering of guitars, bass, and drums keeps the beats steady but interesting. Members Pete, T.J., Mike and Brandon cite late-1950s era music like Sam Cooke among their influences-and they’ll be kicking off their own bluesy summer tour starting this July in Philadelphia.

http://www.purevolume.com/ exceptaftersea Members: “Uncle” Pete Hill, guitars /vocals/keyboard “Cousin” Mike Krone, bass/keyboard “Nephew” T.J. Sanders, vocals/guitar/keyboard “Brother Brandon” Cary Poulos, drums/effects