For most, the word “pomegranate” conjures up the image of a somewhat normal-looking fruit, but how it looks on the outside has nothing to do with the inside. In short, appearances can be deceiving.

Those who listen to Pomegranate’s music might agree.

“People would describe our music as being somewhat bipolar &- we go from dark and moody to uplifting all within one set,” said

Gavin Canaan, guitarist and vocalist for the band.

Formed in the Bay area, Pomegranate is a three-piece indie rock band composed of Canaan, guitar and vocals; Adam Twain, bass and vocals; and Michael Creason, drums. The band, which has been playing for more than 10 years, has three albums on the shelves and is working on its fourth.

“We are your standard drum, bass and guitar but with a whole different sound,” Canaan said. “We infuse dark tones with pop elements, something people are often surprised to hear mixed together.”

From alternative country to rock, Canaan said the band has a fairly broad range of styles it covers.

“Some people say we are too diverse when it comes to our style, but that is how we like it,” Canaan said. “We just don’t fit into one genre.”

Even though they have three members, Twain said Pomegranate is not anything like the typical Green Day or Blink 182.

“When people hear there are three of us, they immediately think of these power-pop bands and we’re not like that,” Twain said. “We create a sound that just isn’t typical to that of a three-piece band; it’s very rich.”

From deciding to drop their label and work independently to losing the original drummer in 2005, Pomegranate has faced some troubles.

“The music industry can be challenging, but we have just really enjoyed playing,” Canaan said. “Many things have happened that would push many bands to stop playing, but we kept going.”

Even though the band would not mind support from a record company, Twain said working without a label is something they find useful.

“Things just went sour with the original record label. They gave the reigns to the wrong person and she followed her dream rather than ours,” Twain said. “Support is nice, but we like having control.”

Pomegranate’s next stop will be today’s Nooner at Sacramento State. At noon, the band will be performing for free in the University Union Redwood Room.

“We’ve never played for Sac State, so a new audience should be fun,” Canaan said. “This will be good exposure for our band and it will be great for college kids to hear some great music.”

For Twain, who grew up around Sacramento, he says his connection to the area is why he looks forward to performing at Sac State.

“Everyone thinks that Sacramento has a plain exterior, but there is a different world under the surface, especially in the art and music world,” Twain said. “We may not be as big as L.A., but we still have good music and success here.”

Playing to a live crowd is something the band really cherishes, Twain said. From concerts to college performances, he said the band enjoys performing to new fans no matter what the venue is.

“Good music is hard to come by these days — seeing a band live can be a rare occasion,” Twain said. “We find it very important to perform to new people and spread our passion for music.”

Erin Rogers can be reached at [email protected]