Beyond the immediacy of their guitar-driven vocal hooks and sharply etched songs, the Los Angeles group invites listeners to see an elusive, challenging reality which lurks just beyond the sightlines of normal life. As lead Liar Raile puts it, "when you find beauty in chaos, a lot of people have a tough time seeing what you see. It's uncomfortable to talk about this stuff, but it's easier to say it with guitars and drums."

Superjaded, the group's debut album, speaks volumes. Opening with the lethally catchy "Anybody" and continuing through standout cuts such as "After I Begin," "Useless," "Always," "No Good," and "I'll Stand In My Own Way," Liars Inc. cut a wide swath of haunted aggression and damaged brilliance.

Produced by Matt Hyde (Porno for Pyros, Monster Magnet) and Raile, and mixed by Jerry Finn (Green Day, Rancid), the 12 songs on Superjaded possess an ironic personal bent. Upbeat tunes with painful themes are propelled by the angular guitars of Raile and Ray Hartman, and the rhythmic punch of Dillinger and Robin Diaz. Amid the bright riffs, observant listeners can explore the dark recesses of loss ("JPW"), addiction ("I'll Stand In My Own Way"), and self conflict ("Ankh's Decay").

Even in the sunniest moments, the group's music is tinged with a bittersweet frost. The song "Better" is actually saying "things have got to get better, because they can't get any worse," Raile admits.

The results, in all their scruffy glory, are no mere accident. Liars Inc. is born of bruising honesty and emotional disarray. Raile's own consciousness first flowered amid Hollywood decadence. His mom -- a famed hair stylist whose clients included Jack Nicholson, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, and Ann-Margaret -- would frequently bring her work home with her. As he left for school in the morning, Raile would often have to tip-toe around music and film stars crashed out on his living room floor.

Fast forward a few years. Growing frustrated with music, Raile is encouraged to give it another shot by longtime friend and collaborator Robin Diaz. "Even though he didn't grow up in the best neighborhood, he's the most optimistic guy in the band," says Raile, "we're so opposite, maybe we balance each other out."

Together, Raile and Robin decide to put together a new band. They link up with Dillinger, "he's the mysterious guy," nods Raile, "nobody knows much about him except that he likes rock 'n' roll, fishing, and hot rods -- in that order;" and Ray Hartman, a Los Angeles ŽmigrŽ from Scranton, PA. "Ray really has a split personality," says Raile, "sensitive, analytical, brutal. He's basically your all-purpose instigator and agitator."

They picked the name Liars Inc. "It just seemed to describe what my reality had become," Raile explains. "My life was a big lie, and I was chasing the ultimate lie. I'm not a liar today, but the name can still describe many aspects of the world that surrounds us. From politics, to religion -- they're all liars, incorporated."

Wild live shows, including a west coast tour, demonstrated a musical chemistry bordering on anarchy. "All four of us are pretty much ready to combust onstage," Raile shrugs.

Superjaded captures the group's barbed allure on record. Liars Inc. are grateful -- honestly. "I'm very humbled now in my life," Raile admits, "Even at your most hopeful, there's always a bit of doubt somewhere. Maybe that's why I think people relate more to pain than happiness. I guess it's best to just say it in the music."