Formerly known as The Squishees, who were formerly known as The Slurpees, 500 Megatons of Boogie offers up an original, post-punk sound. Led by Erik Westfall, who has played with such notable names as Randy "Biscuit" Turner, the group conjures up comparisons to Gang of Four, The Melvins and Link Wray. The three-piece also features longtime bassist Johnny Todd and former Squishees drummer Kent "The Fireman" Hassinger, who adds the much-needed danceable yet skillful beats the group missed in his absence. The band may not fill venues to capacity, but local sensations have proved that doesn't always mean good music. 500 Megatons released its latest collection of punk ditties in July, and it's chock-full of reasons for Houston music fans looking for something new to get on the ball and get ready to boogie.

Brett Osborne isn't as old or as experienced as Houston tattoo-artist illuminati such as Dan Martin and Tiger John. Nevertheless, Osborne has firmly established himself as one of Houston's most talented with a needle-tipped gun. Lovers of permanent ink outside of his hometown have taken notice, and some of his colorful works have landed him spreads in magazines such as International Tattoo. But he doesn't live just for tattoos; Brett practically eats, drinks and sleeps art in one form or another, from working on paintings at home to making ceramics to his clothing line, Maybe One Day. This man just lives to create — especially on your skin.