The power-pop sound of the Northern California band Nu-Clear will be blaring this afternoon from Joe Serna Plaza for UNIQUE’s noon concert.

Nu-Clear will be playing tracks off their second album, “FourPlay,” released in August. It’s the follow up to their debut album “ThreeSum.”

Their tunes can be heard on local radio stations such as KWOD (106.5) and 98 Rock (95.8 FM). Nu-Clear is an up-and-coming local band and winner of the 2003 SAMMIE (Sacramento Area Music Award) for “Best Punk Band.”

Nu-clear’s sound can be described as “power-pop with a ska twist, which tries to include a bit of everything for everybody,” said Ryan Gillmor, Nu-Clear’s lead vocalist.

Nu-Clear’s sound has influences rooted in the style of such bands as No Doubt, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, The Beatles, Rush and Megadeath.

Nu-clear is a four-member band comprised of Ryan Gillmor on lead vocals and guitar, Keir Johnson on bass, Jeff Tuttle on drums and backup vocals and Art Padilla on rhythm guitar and backup vocals. Gillmor said the band is excited to play at Sacramento State because they were unable to book themselves for a noon show last year.

“The vibe at a college campus has a real youthful gathering of people who are there to go to school and have a good time,” Gillmore said.

The band Nu-Clear got together in the winter of 1999 at their El Dorado High School talent show.Ryan Gillmor and Keir Johnson are from Pollock Pines Jeff Tuttle and Art Padila are from Sacramento. On the “FourPlay” album, songs range from pop to ska, like on the tracks “Mind Expansion” and “At Odds.”

Their sound is an interesting blend of pop and rock mingling with ska rythyms and pop-like lyrics. On the track “Don’t Waste Your Time” they sound energetic and full of life. The band will be playing lunch-time shows around Central and Northern California including venues at the California State Univerisities at Monterey and Santa Cruz. The band’s goal is to get signed by next summer and play on tour.