The Plain White T’s are anything but basic

If you’re a constant MTV watcher, then it is near impossible to miss those quick clips that run in between shows, playing and overplaying whoever the supposed new hot band to look out for is.

As of late, MTV’s newest pick is The Plain White T’s. The Chicago-native power pop band, though seemingly like any other run-of-the-mill pop-rock fivesome out there, has actually been around for longer than you might think.

Though only recently finding major mainstream stardom via the MTV airwaves, much like the bands My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, the PWTs already have three full-length albums under their belts and have toured with the Vans Warped Tour since 2003 and the Nintendo Fusion Tour in 2006. With their most recent album, “Every Second Counts,” which was released Sept. 12, veteran fans will notice that their look has changed some. Originally only consisting of four members, the PWTs are now made up of Tom Higgenson (vocals), Dave Tirio (guitar), Mike Retondo (bass and vocals), De’Mar Hamilton (drums) and Tim Lopez (guitar and vocals).

Lineup aside, the PWTs members have also made some minor style adjustments, having first gotten a listen back in 2003 when the PWTs performed at the Flipside Festival in Falls Church, Va. Tom previously sported a long, curly mop of hair and a decidedly less put-together look. From the look of their latest video for their first single “Hate,” Tom has abandoned his curly locks for a straighter, more coiffed look. Despite these changes, one thing has remained unaltered: the band has definitely remained true to their sound. Though they’ve evolved, their latest album adheres to their original style, featuring the catchy melodies and lyrics that helped build their cult following.

So what’s next for the PWTs, besides taking over MTV’s teenage wasteland? The band is currently on tour, opening for Panic! at the Disco.