MISSION DELORES is yet another example of the burgeoning (and, more to the point, diverse) Orange County music scene. Together for a little over a year now, this foursome recently self-produced and self-released their debut CD,CHASING BUTTERFLIES , which is an exquisite collection of acoustic guitar-based pop songs that fall in the R.E.M./Toad the Wet Sprocket/Gin Blossoms pocket. Their second full-length release, HELLO MY NAME IS..., is a melodic textured collection of stand-out tracks which include "What You Wanted" and "A.M. Radio".

Interestingly, vocalist/guitarist Phil Whittles (whom, along with guitarist/vocalist Chris Cunningham, is one of the band's primary songwriters) draws inspiration from the Indigo Girls. "When Phil writes lyrics, he tries to look at things from the female point-of-view," explains Cunningham, formally a member of another popular OC outfit, Psychic Rain.

Taking their name from the eyebrow-raising novel Lolita, MISSION DELORES (which also includes drummer Steve Greco and newest recruit bass player/vocalist Rolf) have had a relatively easy time building a local following, despite the fact that punk seems to be the soup du jour in OC. And, actually, their very first gig was opening for the legendary Eric Burdon at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana. Since then, they've been averaging a show a week in clubs in and around OC and LA.