"Exhilarating, like running naked through a bee storm," said music magazine NME of Middle Class Rut, or MC Rut for short. The duo headlines Friday's Concert in the Park in which Lite Brite, Consider The Thief and Early States will also play (click links for MySpace pages).

MC Rut's style has been compared to Jane's Addiction and Rage Against the Machine, but the duo evokes a simpler feel than the The White Stripes, a band with similar instrumentation.

Even so, the two-piece packs a fury of sound that never lets up. They recently released an eight-song EP entitled 25 Years and completed a tour of the United Kingdom.

Lite Brite is a rock and roll trio that exudes a punk attitude, but can turn down the amps and write a beautiful ballad as well. Some say Lite Brite sounds like Radiohead while others say the sound is more reminiscent of Nirvana.

Lite Brite released its debut self-titled album last year, and a three-song EP is a free download from the band's website.

Five-piece Consider the Thief released its debut album Signs and Wonders Tuesday. "We decided we wanted to take a leap of faith and write songs that didn’t rely on what had become a crutch for us: screaming and busy guitar/drum work," said guitarist Sean O'Sullivan in an interview with Submerge Magazine.

That doesn't mean that Consider the Thief doesn't shred. The band still brings a sense of emotional, apocalyptic rock and roll.

Early States sounds like U2, but is fronted by a 19-year-old Roseville man. The band will be on the Warped Tour this summer.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park take place at Cesar Chavez Park on 10th and J Streets from 5-9 p.m. every Friday until August 14.

Don't forget that your Friday night festivities continue if you show your wristband to one of the following businesses:

Brew it Up! $4 drafts, Bacardi, Jack Daniels and 3 Olives cocktails, plus half-price appetizers

Fuzio Universal Bistro $3 drafts, $5 martinis, plus a selection of $3 appetizers

Marilyn's on K $1 off well drinks, $3 draft Bud Light

Parlare Euro Lounge $3 domestic beers, $5 wine, $4 assorted appetizers

Pyramid Alehouse $2 pints of Curveball

Sofia on 11th $3 drafts, $4 wines, $4 wells and and half-price appetizers

Table 260 Half off appetizer menu, 10 percent off dinner, $5 drink special on Sac Soul

Toppingz Pizza inside Image Lounge $2.50 Bud and Bud Light, $4 Jack Daniels, appetizers starting at $1

Sheraton Grand Hotel's PMB Bar $3.50 Bud and Bud Light (bottle or draft), $5 nachos or artichoke dip

Amourath Lounge at Hyatt $1 off Bud, Bud Light and all appetizers

Citizen Hotel $99/night weekend rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in a deluxe king, queen or dual-double-bed room. This deal is exclusively for the Concerts in the Park, and for information on how to book the room, call 916-447-2700.