"We're into all those naughty pleasures nobody likes to talk about," says Buckcherry guitarist Keith Nelson. "We were living and breathing rock 'n' roll when it wasn't in style, and 10 years from now, when it's out of style again, we'll still be doing it." Adds singer Joshua Todd: "For a while there, it wasn't cool to be happy about sex because people were terrified by it. Now, people have been dealing with AIDS for a while and they've learned how to live with it and be sexy again-they're not afraid to express their dirty little minds."

With Lit Up (due in 1999 on DreamWorks Records) serving as their calling card, Buckcherry may well be the much-needed black eye on the woe-is-me musical outlook of the 90's. Ditching contrived angst in favor of streetwise attitude and rowdy fun, the 11-track disc spews a glorious blast of trashy garage punk and whiskey-drenched rock swagger. Producers Terry Date (Pantera, Soundgarden, White Zombie) and Steve Jones (of the Sex Pistols) helped Lit Up a short fused scorcher reminiscent of Buckerry's combustible live show.

"Steve Jones is a rock 'n' roll animal." Nelson testifies. "He brings an amazing vibe. This record wouldn't be what it is without him. Also working with Terry brought out the heavier side of us. There's an immediacy, an attack, an explosion when we play live, and I think Terry captured that."

Buckcherry formed in Los Angeles during the summer of 1995 when Nelson and Todd met through their tattoo artist. The duo hammered out a few demo tapes on a cheap four-track recorder, drawing on influences as diverse as KISS and Smokey Robinson for inspiration. "I used to listen to punk rock and then got turned on to Prince and Billy Idol." Todd explains. "I always had this weird mix of music going on, but it was the best of all worlds."

The band was completed by bassist Jonathan (J.B.) Brightman, drummer Devon Glenn and guitarist Yogi. J.B. met Todd and Nelson at a downtown Los Angeles rehearsal space. He'd been listening to them through the wall and was intrigued by what he heard. Glenn's arrival, too, seemed fated-he was the first and last drummer the group considered. Yogi is a more recent addition, but his diverse musical background clicked immediately with that of the other members. He was also quick to join in his new mates' collective approach to songwriting.

With assistance from Hollywood recording studio owner Bruce Bouillette, the fledgling band gained invaluable experience and encouragement and was soon generating a buzz around LA thanks to a heavily bootlegged demo tape and a swelling reputation as a must-see live act.

"I was always inspired by live performance," says Todd. "The energy loud music gives me allows me to get out what's inside of me. I like to dance. This band is all about movement, garb and style. It's all about ripping your fucking head off."

And the name? "Our LA shows were getting packed," Nelson recalls, "and there was this transvestite name Buckcherry who always used to bum cigarettes off me outside the shows. He was a nice buy, but a complete Hollywood freak." Which, to Buckcherry, is a good thing.