I really want to spell their name Mi Hijo Plaza because they are an LA-based band and it sounds so quintessentially Angeleno when spelled that way, but, alas, the proper spelling is Meho Plaza: a fantastic band getting a lot of notice lately.

If John Hughes began his career now he could easily use Meho Plaza’s music on his soundtracks. The trio consists of a guitar, drums, and the aforementioned synth, and the mood they create, on the recorded tracks at least, reminds me of The Dismemberment Plan (without the bass, of course). Do I sound nostalgic? I can’t help it. I really miss both John Hughes and the D-Plan, and I’m happy to hear that someone’s music could possibly fill those voids.

I’ve been listening to the tracks from their EP (all available for free from their site) and developed quite the attachment to George Washington. I particularly like the stumbling down the stairs chorus “Wash…/ington…/and…/his men” and the synthesizer theme that sounds just like the percolating Maxwell House “Coffee” theme from 30 years ago done in minor notes.

If you’re impressed, too, and you live in LA, you can buy their music at Sea Level Records on Sunset in Echo Park. If you’re impressed but don’t live in LA, you can order their album directly from the drummer (see their MySpace page for details). If you’re unimpressed, then… I guess listen to something else? From what I’ve heard, Meho Plaza’s even better live. Check out their website for upcoming shows.

• Download The Beach.
• Download George Washington.
• Download The Instruments.