Talking to Animals, an independent Boston rock band, excites and engages its audience by blending powerful rock 'n' roll guitar and drums with the distinctive voice of singer Juliana Nash. Their sound--which defies classification--resembles a mix of Natalie Merchant's 10,000 Maniacs and Scotland's distorted but melodic Teenage Fanclub.

Energetic drummer Jay Bellerose provides a substantial backbone to the Animals' songs. His driving beats power the music without overwhelming the other instruments. Guitarist Thomas Juliano also adds force to the band with skillful psychedelic strumming. His creative '70s-type solos--together with Jay's modern drumming--produce a compelling package.

Greg Porter adds to this mix with consistent, rapid-fire bass playing. He also collaborates with Nash to write emotional, from-the-heart lyrics. Like alternative rock singers Black Francis (of the Pixies) and Thurston Moore (of Sonic Youth), Nash has the ability to switch her voice from a peaceful lullaby one moment to a rage-filled shriek the next. Her voice quietly draws in the listener before overwhelming with her sheer power.

Porter's steady bass lines help to keep this high-powered, often volatile, band from roaring out of control. His smooth and dynamic playing is the only constant in cacophony-prone band.

Talking To Animals often play at Boston clubs The Paradise, Nightstage. The Channel, Avalon, T.T the Bears and The Plow. At a recent gig at the Middle East Cafe, they energized the room, transforming hesitant dancing into uninhibited partying.

I met with Talking to Animals after their Middle East Cafe performance. Since we couldn't hear each other over the din of the noisy smoke-filled room, Juliana, the lead singer, suggested we sit outside. With sirens blaring and cars rushing by, Juliana and Greg, later joined by Jay and Thomas, talked comfortably about themselves and their music.

How long have you been together?

Juliana: Greg [bassist and co-writer] and I have been together for over five years in different forms of bands, and we've been in this form for a year. Jay, who's our drummer, joined us a year ago. Thomas [guitarist] started jamming with him and they got along really well.

Greg: The music we're doing now and the band have been evolving for five years, like the songwriting and the way Juliana sings and everything. But what we're doing now--the band and the music--is about a year old.

In what direction do you think you're evolving?

Greg: Cacophony--sort of.

Juliana: We used to be really poppy and quirky. I think we're stronger and louder now and more rocked out.

Who are your biggest influences?

Greg: Tonight we listened to The Who.

Juliana: Neil Young.