Many bands use their name as a way to express their style, their influences, or their background. Others choose a handle that is a deep, personal reflection of themselves, while some simply use the name of the band’s lead singer or guitarist.

Local band Sissy Mena, however, is none of the above.

“The name Sissy Mena doesn’t really mean anything,” says Tyler Brinegar, the band’s guitar player and vocalist. “We just kind of like the ring of it.”

Although the name definitely stands out, Brinegar says his band’s music does too, and that’s what landed Sissy Mena its fourth gig at Bali Satay House Thursday night. Nonetheless, Brinegar’s description of Sissy Mena’s sound is much like his description of its title — ambiguous.

“This is where everyone says, ‘We don’t like to limit ourselves to one specific genre,’ right?” Brinegar says. “Well, I’ll say we’re ‘ear-bleeding country’… But really it’s just rock ‘n’ roll — loud and fast with lots of solos.”

Sissy Mena’s “rock ‘n’ roll” influences include everything from The Beatles to the White Stripes, but vary by band member. Brinegar, senior in journalism and mass communication, listens to modern bands like the Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead. Meanwhile, Troy Archer, the band’s bass player, likes classic rock, and drummer Tate Avery is what Brinegar calls “an ’80s punk rocker.”

Despite their divergent musical tastes, Tyler, Troy and Tate have been playing together for five years and have known each other even longer.

Growing up in Udell, all three were in high school jazz band together. Although Brinegar played saxophone then, not guitar, he says Sissy Mena is still a troupe of seasoned musicians.

“I think if you came out to the show, you would not be disappointed by the musicianship,” he said. “I think we could play with anyone in town.”

It appears that Sissy Mena is out to make that fact known. Besides past shows at Bali, it has performed at House of Bricks and Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, and is hoping to play even more venues this summer. Wherever they play, Brinegar says to anticipate a loud, energetic show.

“Expect loud noise,” Brinegar says. “Some noise, some sustenance, some neat tones, and a smile. We like to turn it up and throw it out pretty quick, and the whole time it’s done with the heart on the sleeve and a little bit of grin.”

So what’s next for this blossoming independent band?

“It would be really comfortable to have some support from a label,” Brinegar says, “since every time we have a show, we probably each lose 20 to 30 dollars. But we’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. I don’t have any plans of growing up anytime soon.”