"We've come to the conclusion that the stupidest thing any band could say in an interview is that they can't be labeled--because that's ridiculous," says Jonah Bergman, bassist for Schoolyard Heroes.

Curious, I ask him how Schoolyard Heroes should be labeled.

Jonah confidently states with a grin, "Sci-fi horror rock."

Seventeen-year-old lead singer Ryann Donnelly covers her face. "That is so not what we are at all."

"That is what we are," Jonah challenges. "Name three song titles!"

Ryann doesn't have to name titles like "Attack of the Puppet People," "Dawn of the Dead," or "The Eagles Klaw" to know that a first introduction to Schoolyard Heroes could easily result in people mistaking them for just another gimmicky zombie-rock act.

But they're not. In fact, their rock 'n' roll brand of "sci-fi horror rock" took them all the way to the final round in this year's Sound Off! competition at EMP. The Spit-Licks took home first prize, but Schoolyard Heroes were a close second.

"It has never occurred to me that people would think we're a joke," continues Ryann, referring to their songs about zombies and werewolves.

"Yeah, we're a fun band," adds Jonah, "and I guess in that sense we might seem lighthearted, but in no way do we want to be like NOFX, where it's just standup comedy for a half hour."

"See, that's what I'm afraid of when you say sci-fi and horror rock," explains Ryann. "I'm afraid of the gimmick."

But even with songs that may seem like novelty, it'd be hard not to take Schoolyard Heroes seriously after seeing them live. Jonah, Ryann, guitarist Steve Bonnell, and drummer Brian put on one hell of a rock show, and with their steadily growing fan base, I'm not the only one who thinks so.

After their appearance in the Sound Off! competition, their mailing list tripled. They've also been put on a bill with Pretty Girls Make Graves for a March 29 show at the Vera Project (which is a perfect pairing, if you ask me).

But despite their impressive ability to rock the sci-fi/horror genre, the band members insist they don't take themselves too seriously.

"[We always ask ourselves] that question--these kids who like our music and buy our T-shirts and stuff: Would they ever hang out with us if we weren't in a band?" asks Jonah.

Brian laughs, "I don't think so."

"Yeah, we're just a bunch of dorks!" adds Ryann.

For now they may be a bunch of dorks who love Tiger Woods video games, ice cream, prog rock, and metal (I'll leave it to you to decide which vice belongs to which member), but the band is surely moving forward--despite the second-place standing.

"So how does it feel to be sittin' in second place?" I ask.

Jonah smiles, "First loser!" MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com