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Even though Will Hoge and his band have been together for just more than a year, several scribes already have tossed a massive albatross around the gritty and clever songwriter's neck. The charming, energetic songsmith has been compared by many to Bruce Springsteen. A gifted writer, Hoge pens raveups with vivid imagery and is an electrifying performer. "But to be put in his (Springsteen's) league is an honor I don't deserve," Hoge said while calling from his Nashville home. "That's a huge compliment. He and his band have been working for more than 25 years to get that impeccable reputation that they have, and we're just getting started."

Hoge and his band, who play tonight at the Saint in Asbury Park, haven't even released a studio album yet, but the live shows and the group's concert document, "All Night Long" has caused a buzz throughout the industry. "I'm pleased that people are noticing what we're doing," Hoge said. "We're doing something differently. We're working hard every night. I don't think everybody is doing that anymore. Younger acts get spoiled by big record contracts."

The frontman doesn't have anything against a major label deal. In fact, the roots-rocker hopes to find a company that is simpatico with his music. "Of course we want a record contract and that will happen at some point," Hoge said. "Right now we're concerned about keeping this thing going in a grass roots manner. We're about winning over an audience. A record contract doesn't mean that you have a bunch of fans. That's something you've got to earn by going out there every night and doing what you do best. That's how you get a fan base. It doesn't happen through magic. It comes from playing your heart out."

Hoge's crack band includes guitarist Dan Baird, bassist Tres Sasser and drummer Kirk Yoquelet. Baird, the former leader of the plucky Georgia Satellites, witnessed a Hoge show in 1999, tapped Hoge on the shoulder after the performance and told him that if he ever needed a guitarist to give him a call. Hoge did just that after parting ways with his original guitarist. "I auditioned a bunch of guitarists and called Dan in and he was simply the best," Hoge said. "It was an easy decision for me and Dan loves being part of the band. I feel bad for his wife, since Dan isn't home anymore, but that's the price you pay for being a slave to rock 'n' roll."

The Hoge contingent will finish work on its initial studio disc shortly after completing its tour in late October. Hoge hopes it will be ready to hit the bins by January. "We want to get it out there after all the holiday releases are in stores," Hoge said. "We don't want to compete with a Michael Bolton Christmas record, especially if we put the album out as an indie. The plan right now is for it to go out early next year and then tour like crazy behind it."