2008 was a huge year for The Dig Angees. The three-member Des Moines band saw the release of their first CD, they rocked the audience at the first ever 80/35 Music Festival and competed in a national Battle of the Bands, eventually placing second out of more than 3,500 bands and earning an opening gig for the Gym Class Heroes in New York City last September.

The band was formed in 2005 by Des Moines high school seniors and “lifelong friends” Brenton Dean and Steven Rood. With Dean on lead vocals and guitar and Rood on drums and vocals, they added Ambrose Barney Hall on bass that winter, solidifying their lineup and, ultimately, their sound. 

The Dig Angees swing a punched-up, indie-rock that they describe as “surfy” and which fans love. From upbeat, catchy songs like “Don’t Mind Me” and “Rollover” to the more hard-hitting “Hubcap Blues,” there’s something here for everyone. That musical range likely helped make them favorites at April’s Gross Domestic Product, where they drew quite a crowd and ended their set with a spontaneous, rollicking Beatles medley. The band also smoked the crowd at both the 80/35 showcase at The Principal Charity Classic and the Des Moines Social Club’s Subjective Circus. So far, 2009 is looking to be another monumental year for The Dig Angees.

You can listen to the Dig Angees on their self-titled debut album, which can be found on iTunes; or better yet, see them live at one of their shows scheduled around the Midwest this summer, including their turn in the second annual 80/35 Music Festival. The band will take the Meredith West free stage at 5:15 pm on Friday, July 3.

For more info, visit www.thedigangees.com or www.myspace.com/thedigangees.