In guitarist Jerrid Kruse’s spacious basement, a new band is thirsting for a sound. An energetic sound. A very distinct, almost indescribable sound.

Modern Day Hero’s style is something the band finds difficult to agree upon.

“I think every one of us would give a different answer,” Kruse says.

The guitarist spends a few seconds of contemplating.

“[It’s] energetic rock without being punk,” he finally answers.

The actual band, Modern Day Hero, has been on the music scene for a couple of years. The present make-up of the band, however, is very recent.

Kruse, graduate student in chemistry and bassist Eric Smidt are the original members of Modern Day Hero. Along with these two, the band is completed by guitarist Matt Ruden, senior in psychology, alumnus vocalist Corey Schmidt and drummer Erik Jensen. Although the group has only been playing together for a month and a half, each member has musical experience, whether as part of a band or individually.

Like many bands starting out, Modern Day Hero faces a few minor obstacles they must work around.

One in particular is the obstacle of location. Two of the five members of Modern Day Hero live a good distance from Ames.

Smidt lives in Cedar Falls, while drummer Jensen resides in Sioux Falls, S.D. This factor adds quite a few problems when it comes time to practice and write new material.

The band doesn’t let it trouble them, however. They have worked out a plan of recording their new material and sending it to the absent members.

“The three of us [Schmidt, Ruden and Kruse] write the songs. Everyone takes CDs home with them and practices,” Kruse says.

This method seems to work for the band, although they say they do wish the other two members would move to Ames.

With one show completed last October at the House of Bricks in Des Moines, the band is itching to get its sound out.

Kruse says the band is planning a special Christmas program most likely to take place before winter break.

“Merry Christmas from Modern Day Hero” will be a special demo complete with three songs. The band will be selling copies to help promote its music. The members hope that by doing so, the word will get out about their music.

“We’re doing this to get our name in people’s heads,” Kruse says.

Modern Day Hero has been heard on various college radio stations across the United States, but the band does not feel this has helped to increase its fanbase. Instead, the band agrees the Internet was the most beneficial factor when it comes to the group’s exposure.

“If anything has helped to create a fanbase, it’s been the Internet,” Kruse says.

The Internet has carried their sound to places both nationally and internationally.

“We’ve been featured on Web sites in England,” Kruse says.

The band says they rely a great deal on the Internet, hoping more and more people will stumble upon their Web site or mp3.com and listen to what the band has to offer.

Modern Day Hero has its eyes set on the future. They know what kinds of goals they need to set.

“Our short-term goal is to build a fanbase in Ames and Des Moines,” Kruse says. “Our mid-term goal is a fanbase in the Midwest.”

Ruden finishes Kruse’s thought.

“And our long-term goal is to have a fanbase in Bangladesh,” he jokes. “Just kidding. We want to be good enough to keep playing. We don’t want to be a struggling band.”

“We want to have a venue ask us back,” Kruse says.