Spin Spin Coupling is too dorky to be indie, too fun to be emo, too heavy to be pop, too poppy to be metal. Its music can only be called Sensitive Arena Rock. SSC has endeavored to bring this joyful noise to the people of the upper Midwest and world since 2001, evolving from a wannabe power trio into an amorphous quintet.

SSC is led by Mike Jensen - an erstwhile PhD-level classical vocalist - on lead vocal and rhythm guitar. He's also pretty prolific, cranking out most of SSC's songs. Cyborg-like Alan Halverson is lead bassist, his third post with SSC. Jason Slater recently ascended to lead guitarship. SSC utilizes the talents of two drummers; Eric Heiserman now plays west of the Mississippi gigs while Chris Mell plays east of big muddy. Lastly, there is Paul Van Auken, choreographer and other bass player.

In 2005 SSC released its third recording, "She Said," which features 17 tracks and the group’s sharpest songwriting and production to date.

SSC Reviews

Here's what some other people think about SSC:

"One of Madison's most intriguing bands." Rick Tvedt, Rick's Cafe;

"Hooks galore, smart lyrics and great harmonies." Jim Musser, Iowa City Press Citizen;

"...Spin Spin’s sound (is) wonderfully unique. They describe themselves as being 'sensitive arena rock,' but don’t let the category mislead you; their sound is more intellectual and jagged than that." Jankoy, The Madison Observer;

"'She Said'" continues the band's mission of making 'sensitive arena rock,' which translates into big, fun guitars, catchy choruses and bellowing-to-the-back-seats vocals." Rob Thomas, Wisconsin State Journal/Cap Times;

"Right now it’s their calculated shape-shifting that differentiates them from the many lesser acts that figure cute idiosyncrasies or by-the-numbers imitation is the surest way to a rock ’n’ roll career." Tom Laskin, Isthmus;

"Well, I've pretty much worn out my copy of Spin Spin Coupling's 'One Train May Hide Another,' so that should tell you something about how eminently, irresistibly listenable it is." Rob Thomas, Wisconsin State Journal/Cap Times;

"When I think of independent bands, 'catchy hooks' and 'great vocals' seldom come to mind...with Spin Spin Coupling ...it is a formula for success." El Guante, The Madison Observer.

The SSC Story

Story: Spin Spin Coupling is too dorky to be indie, too fun to be emo, too heavy to be pop, too poppy to be metal. Its music can only be called Sensitive Arena Rock. SSC has endeavored to bring this joyful noise to the people of the upper Midwest and world since 2001.

After starting out as a "21st century power trio" with Alan on drums, SSC began a series of roster shakeups that resulted in the dawning of the age of Sensitive Arena Rock.

SSC continues to be led by Mr. Michael Jensen - a PhD-level classical vocalist who, through natural medication and ritual beating, has brought his vibrato down to a manageable level - on lead vocal and rhythm guitar. He also cranks out most of the band's songs. Cyborg-like Alan Halverson is now in his third post with SSC, playing the role of lead bassist and king of the brown note. Jason "TiennG" Slater recently ascended to lead guitarship, a position that he uses to proselytize to those who doubt the power of rock. After an interim drummer bolted one week prior to his first gig - citing a disdain for the band's "f-ing progrock" - SSC decided to utilize the talents of two drummers; the piledriver Eric Heiserman now plays west of the Mississippi gigs while smooth persuader Chris Mell plays east of big muddy. Lastly, there is Paul Van Auken, who offers bass lines like Donald "Duck" Dunn sitting in with AC/DC. As you can see, through wise use of free agency, the trading block, and its farm system, SSC has over time developed a power-packed G2B2D2 starting six.

Lineup now settled, SSC is busy delighting audiences with Mike's vocal prowess and mumbling quips, guitar harmonies that would make Tom Scholz proud and bass harmonies that are a Billy Sheehan fan's wet dream, choice covers like Toto's "Africa", and multi-part harmonies that could make David Cassidy blush.

Influences: Pixies, Trip Shakespeare, The Who, Beatles, Radiohead, Weezer, Low, Twisted Sister, The Jayhawks, Wilco, Violent Femmes, Elvis Costello, Dead Milkmen, GnR, Motown and metal, rural Iowa upbringing, high school musicals, the county fair, old time country and drunken bards.

Sounds like: All of the above got together to make a six-headed, somewhat sloppy but totally adorable, dorky cool and cooly dorky love child.

Message: It's futile to resist the intoxicating power of Sensitive Arena Rock.