The San Diego music scene is rich with so many diverse types of music that often times, it’s hard to decide on which band to cover. Look for upcoming features on all three of the following bands but in the meantime, here’s a preview.

Indie rockers Merkaba Bandits were originally a three-piece from Washington, D.C. The boys lost their drummer and moved to Oceanside last August to be closer to the music scenes in San Diego and L.A.

Once they arrived they found local drummer Marco Piro and their lineup is now lead singer/guitarist Alexander Gruenberg, lead guitarist Ryan Sieloff, Michael Loreto on bass and Piro.

Merkaba Bandits sound somewhat similar to the Arctic Monkeys but even that comparison doesn’t do the band justice. Their music is nothing you think you’d hear from a scene where whiney “emo” voices and standard delayed guitar riffs dominate. Check out the songs “Mary Magdalene” and “Motel, Motel” at www.myspace.com/ merkababandits.com.

Also, be sure to catch them out at O’Connell’s in San Diego on March 9.

Another great local band is Thieves and Liars. Currently on tour in Arizona, Texas and Louisiana, the classic rock trio just released its debut album “When Dreams Become Reality” on Facedown Records. Having already made quite a name for themselves while playing shows with bands like Saosin and Armor For Sleep, Thieves and Liars are keeping good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll alive.

Joey Bradford, the band’s lead singer and bassist has an incredible voice for rock music, while guitarist Corey Edelmann and drummer Kyle Rosa complete the band’s driving force.

Songs like “Betrayed by Blood” and the title song “When Dreams Become Reality” really showcase the band’s talent.

Check out www.my space.com/weareallthievesandliars for more information on the band’s tour and the new CD.

You can also watch the video for “Slavin Away” on the site.

Finally, if you don’t know of these San Diego bad boys yet, then you’ve been living under a rock. Mower has shared the stage with bands like System of a Down, Gwar, Metallica, Slayer and Mastodon.

Their latest single “Road Rage,” was featured on MTV’s “Headbangers Ball.” The band is signed to Suburban Noize Records and their latest release “Not For You,” was produced by Mikey Doling, formerly of Snot.

Mower is one of the hardest touring bands around and they leave behind a gaggle of new fans in every town they plague. Known for intense live shows, I’ve seen this band as an opening act upstage the headlining band. That’s how Mower has made its name.

Singer Brian Sheerin and drummer Ryan Toth started the band years ago and found bassist Chris McCredie who led them to their second vocalist, Dominic Moscatello. Later, guitarist Greg Russell joined the band.

There have been some changes — recently Mower was in search of a new guitarist and a drummer; there’s no word on if the band has found their men.

Check out Mower on April 5 at Canes with the Iron Maidens (an all female cover band of Iron Maiden). For more information visit www.mowermusic.com or www.myspace.com/mower.