Meet the Band: The Courtesy Line

December 6, 2007

Hometown // Baltimore

Current members // Mark Baldwin, vocals and guitar; Mike Cheman, guitar; Wayne Ward, bass; Mike Borlik, drums

Founded in // 2007

Style // folk rock/power pop

Influenced by // Built to Spill, Yo La Tengo, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Pedro the Lion

Notable // Since the band members come from such diverse backgrounds, the easiest way for them to communicate is through music, Baldwin said. They bought a dry erase board off Craigslist and use it to help map out songs. A full-length album should see the light of day next year.

Quotable // "It's better to just shut up and play," Baldwin said. "The dry erase board is a way to keep our collective thoughts organized. Things can be so easily misconstrued with words."

Hear the Courtesy Line on Sunday at the Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Go to theottobar.com. The band: myspace.com/thecourtesyline.

[SAM SESSA