Few musical groups stray from the tried-and-true line-up of singer, lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist and drummer. Sometimes people throw in a violin or a keyboard for a few songs to change things up a bit, but not even the most rebellious band compares to Savage Aural Hotbed. Forget a mandolin or even a cello: try a circular saw.

The most conventional of the instruments the Minneapolis quartet employs make their magic in the hands of Bill Melton, who specializes in the bass and trombone. The other three members, Mark Black, Stuart DeVaan and David Sarrazin, play percussion, and we’re not talking high-hats and a snare drum. The band has a real flair for power tools.

“It’s ’cause they sound good,” Melton explained. “We look for things that have unique sounds. So when you go out and find objects, they’re not gonna sound like traditional instruments. We go to the hardware store to get ideas. Mark works in a metal shop, so he gets ideas from there.”

Circular saws on metal barrels, a steel I-beam, a “propane-o-phone” with two pipes and trash cans (all pounded with fiberglass drumsticks) may sound like the stuff buildings (and headaches) are made of, but when Savage Aural Hotbed does the pounding, somehow music comes out.

High-energy rhythms, flailing arms and flying sparks are standard fare in any moshpit, so it should be no surprise that the band itself is setting off the same kind of fireworks on stage.

Melton even said that a lot of the time, the band is asked to tour with dance troupes, everything from ballet to modern dance, as background music.

Despite the incredible originality of such a musical concept, Melton said that he can see how many people make the connection between their noise tantrums and other popular bands, including Sister Machine Gun, for whom Savage Aural Hotbed will open tonight at the Terrace Music Fest.

“We’re pretty industrial ’cause we actually kind of sound like metal and industry,” Melton said. “We also have other things going on with percussion, [things that are] ethnic and traditional.”

Ethnic types of percussion actually inspired the foursome, Japanese Taiko drumming being the most notable. “It’s where you’re using big drums, choreographed arm movements and unison power drumming,” Melton explained.

The four have tightened up the screws and here they are, set to play at the Terrace Music Fest at the Memorial Union tonight at 7 p.m. Sister Machine Gun will follow Savage Aural Hotbed. The cost is $5, and food and drink will be available. Alcohol will not be served. In case of rain or snow, the concert will be held in the Maintenance Shop.