Members of Sonic Screwdriver, Ricki Ganci (left), Forrest Emo, Dillon Emo, Dan Beekman and Ken Emo, say their style of music is unique to South Dakota, or any other landlocked state, for that matter.

They might be just a group of guys playing a unique kind of music for this state. Or, maybe they're a group of music-trailblazers , testing waters other groups haven't thought to consider, with one common purpose - to have fun and make people happy.

Sonic Screwdriver, a Brookings band that recently released its first album, "5ive Headed Surf Monster," is a group that specializes in instrumental "surf rock," a subgenre of rock music that originated in the U.S., typified by high energy beats and guitar with reverb (an echo-like sound).

Members of the band say they are the only surf rock band that they know of in South Dakota, so hearing their music live is something of a unique experience - which is exactly what they're aiming for. Brookings residents have the chance to see Sonic Screwdriver live this Saturday at its CD release party at 7 p.m. at the Mission Coffeehouse. The event is offering games, music, refreshments and more.

According to Ken Emo, an assistant professor of education and counseling at SDSU and a guitarist in the group, he and the four other members - his sons Forrest (keyboards and guitar) and Dillon (guitar ) Emo, Brookings High School English teacher Ricky Ganci (bass guitar) and Mission Coffeehouse manager Dan Beekman (drums) - of the group are a laid-back bunch of people who play music for two simple reasons: because they love it and because they want others to enjoy it, as well. This is a sentiment echoed passionately by every member.

On surf rock as a genre, Emo describes it as "punk of the day in the '60s."

"What we do is all instrumental, so not like the Beach Boys," he added. "Surfers in California during that time sort of grabbed on to this music to represent them, as their own unique genre, because it's upbeat, and it's fun."

The group formed a little more than a year ago for the purpose of providing entertainment at a charitable event. They got together to for other events throughout last summer and finally decided to record a CD of cover tracks just to stay motivated and keep them playing. The five were all acquainted in one way or another; but, after they started getting together weekly, just to jam, the "acquaintances" became fast friends with a common interest. Beekman will even take that further.

"To describe us in one word, I would say this group has certainly turned into a brotherhood for us," he said. "We are a group of guys that have really become a family of five, when you really think about it."

Ken Emo said if he had to choose one goal for the group, it would be to write their own music - a goal already in the works. But otherwise, he echoes the rest of the group's mentality about having fun and taking things one step at a time. The group is laid back, so much, in fact, that none will take credit for starting or managing the band, calling it a collaborative effort. The group's name itself allows outsiders a peek at the light-hearted personalities of its members. The Sonic Screwdriver is prize tool of Dr. Who, a British superhero who traveled in time to help people out of inter-galactic struggles.

But why the surf music?

"It's something older people can hear and remember, and it's music that lends itself to being outside and having fun," Ken Emo said.

According to Forrest, who leaves for college in the Fall, looking at the cover of the group's album is always a little strange for him.

"The picture is of a huge surf wave," he said. "You don't see too many of them in South Dakota. This isn't the most popular style of music to play, but it's fun, it's unique, and I love it."

"There's sort of an 'otherness' to surf rock," Ganci added. "I would say if any place needed this energy it would be a landlocked state. There is something about it, there's something about ocean and surf and the costal lifestyle that comes through the music. It definitely brings something to the listener, that sort of energy. There's an intangible quality to it. I think it's the kind of sound that can teach people how to appreciate music without lyrics."

On playing in the band itself, Dillon, the group's youngest member , said "We have no concrete goal; we are just out there, a bunch of guys trying to have fun. We aren't looking to make money; we are just trying to contribute to a more positive atmosphere in our community. The music allows me to express myself. I think music is really sweet, and that's why I love playing the guitar."

So for now, the group still practices weekly. They can be seen performing as a part of Music on Main Thursday nights in downtown Brookings and various functions locally. After Saturday's release party, Brookings residents have another shot at catching them at Hillcrest Park May 13 for the Bike to Work Week rally.

Sonic Screwdriver CDs cost $14 and can be found at the Mission Coffeehouse, Audio Connections, and the University Bookstore.

According to Beekman, there's even more to the music Sonic Screwdriver plays, and he's just happy doing what he's doing.

"It's something you don't hear every day, common but unique at the same time," he said. If nothing else, it kind of gives you a picture of waves, and a picture of the beach. With a winter that tends to go on and on and on, it can kind of paint a picture of warmer days, and vacation , like good times to come." Contact Amanda Palluck at apalluck @brookingsregister.com.