Mario Tarradell

Country-rock group the Eli Young Band, four friends who met while students at the University of North Texas, sound determined to avoid the pitfalls of signing with a major label, releasing a national album and getting played on mainstream radio.The potential trappings of sudden fame couldn't bust up this quartet: lead singer Mike Eli, guitarist James Young, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson.

How can they be so sure? Let Mr. Jones explain:

"The four of us share the same vision for the band," he says from inside the group's Prevost tour bus. "I know there are a lot of bands that don't always share the same vision. We don't steal each other's women. And we don't do drugs. So there are three things that break up bands that we don't do."

The guys laugh in unison. They sound like buddies cutting up over an inside joke. All kidding aside, the Eli Young Band is possibly on the verge of a breakthrough. Jet Black & Jealous, their just-released debut for Universal South/Universal Republic, is a confident, mature, melodic and accessible record.

And it's pure Eli Young Band. There isn't a bit of major-label tampering. Nine of the dozen tracks were already recorded when the group began talks with the Universal honchos. They immediately got the go-ahead from the executives.

"We didn't have to deal with a lot of these horror stories that a lot of artists have to deal with," says Mr. Eli. "They go in and sign a deal, and somebody says, 'OK, you gotta change everything about you.' "

Not that they could, anyway. Since 2000, when these musicians jelled as an entity, they've been honing their organic blend of country, roots pop and rock. With 2005's Level, the product of their new relationship with Nashville producer and song publisher Frank Liddell, the band found their sound.

Jet Black & Jealous contains the Top 40 single, "When It Rains," the can't-miss follow-up, "Always the Love Songs," and a pair of wickedly good album tracks, the propulsive "Get in the Car and Drive" and the metaphorical "Famous."

"The goal is to have a great record that's different, and that's still country ... while still being able to stay true to ourselves," says Mr. Eli.

Yes, these guys are young and idealistic, but their college days are over. None of them lives in Denton anymore. Mr. Jones, 28, calls Dallas home. Mr. Eli, 27, resides in Fort Worth. Mr. Thompson, 28, is in Austin, and Mr. Young, 28, has a home in Meridian.

That Prevost bus is the shared abode. They're used to close quarters. They were either roommates or neighbors while at UNT. Mr. Young chuckles at recalling how he and two of his bandmates lived together "for what? Seven years ... with only one bathroom."

That prompts more laughter. But in all seriousness, these players know where the crux of this union lies.

"I'd like to think that some bands that split up quickly don't have the kind of history we have," says Mr. Eli. "Our relationship ... is pretty rock solid." Plan your life

The Eli Young Band performs from 6:30 to 8 tonight as part of the Western Day Festival at the main stage in front of City Hall, 151 W. Church St., Lewisville. $20 at the gate; free for Lewisville residents with proof of residency. Go to www.cityoflewisville.com to print out free festival tickets, even if you don't live in Lewisville. 972-219-3401.

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