If spring fever hadn't already started setting in, the snowstorms of the past few weeks have definitely pushed most of Tulsa over the top. Now that we've turned the corner and the snow has melted, more than a few of us are ready to remedy our cabin fever by getting out and blowing off some steam. This Friday night, the best place to do that is Downtown Lounge, 25 N. Cheyenne Ave.

Over the past couple of years, DTL has hovered just under the radar, breathing new life into the southwest corner of the Brady District as a homey neighborhood bar with live music rolling through roughly every other weekend. Usually it's a mix of punk, hard rock and straight up, no frills rock 'n' roll. When Oklahoma City band Glister rolls through on Friday, that's exactly the recipe for a good time.

My first exposure to Glister came via the Jordan Hiteshaw benefit concert in January, where the band turned heads and had the Tulsa contingent both enthralled and asking "who are these guys?" As it turns out, Glister is no stranger to the stage, although the band is just now making its move to enter the Tulsa market.

Front man Trafton Barney said that he and drummer Kody Hookstra have been playing together for roughly a decade, but the current Glister lineup came together nearly two years ago.

"We started out as more of a punk band, but a couple years back we took a hiatus," Barney said. "A couple of bass players later, we really found our sound and started playing more, even doing some shows in Texas."

The addition of Dave Spindle on lead guitar completed the lineup that now included Cooper Edmonds on bass and found Glister headed in a direction that fit the band's vision.

"We just love rock 'n' roll," Barney said. "When I think of what that means, I think of good times, whiskey, cigarettes and fighting -- and that's pretty much what our music is about. Sometimes people ask us 'Have; you thought about changing your sound?' and our answer is 'No -- we can't really think of anything else that fits.'"

Live, Barney said Glister takes lessons straight from the "AC/DC playbook," which means loud guitars, plenty of swagger and a good time attitude.

Loud and Louder. Glister takes lessons straight from the “AC/DC playbook,” which means loud guitars, plenty of swagger and a good time attitude. As a whole, especially in a live setting, the recurring theme of AC/DC and Motörhead sets in.

When writing, the process is collaborative and incorporates everyone's influences.

"As a band, we're definitely influenced by AC/DC, but for me, I listen to a lot of Drive by Truckers and Lucero," Barney said. "You can't really hear it in our sound, but I think it comes through more in the storytelling. Dave listens to a lot of old blues and was in a blues band for a long time."

As a whole, especially in a live setting, the recurring theme of AC/DC and Motörhead sets in.

"Also a lot of the old country music," Barney said, "Because, in my opinion, some of the first punkers were the old outlaw country guys."

Overall, Glister's live show is about cutting loose. It's loud, energetic and full of attitude: a good time waiting to happen and get the crowd involved.

"We all share the same philosophy," Barney said. "We figure if we're not having a good time, no one else will, so we'll be partying right along with everyone else.

"We like to have a good time, just like anyone else does," he continued. "We all have jobs; we work just like everyone else. Once it's the weekend, we're ready to cut loose and have a good time too."

That's what comes across most with the Glister members and their music: the release and joy of having a good time. Yes, there's plenty of AC/DC influence in the mix, but you can hear a little southern rock and quite a few underpinnings as well. Reference points like Nashville Pussy and Rose Tattoo aren't a bad start, but there are also touches of glam-rock and a distinct punk undercurrent draws comparisons to Social Distortion -- in spirit, if not in sound and delivery.

If you're ready to cut loose and need a fresh new soundtrack, it's time to mix things up and get down to Downtown Lounge this Friday night, Feb. 18. Glister will remind you how to have a good time and be partying right alongside you after The Flash Bangs open the show. Cover is only $5 and the music starts at 10pm, although the party itself will start as early as you get there. If you need a preview, you can check out a few of Glister's latest tunes at www.myspace.com/glister or by looking up the band on Facebook.