The band Smile Empty Soul has entered a new era of rock.

After dealing with setbacks, including firing its manager and not being able to release its second CD due to controversial lyrics, the group has broken through with the release of its third album, "Consciousness."

The new CD is SES's first release that is part of a new partnership between the F.O.F Label Group and EMI Music.

The Los Angeles-based band has been performing since its debut in 2003.

"We played everything from the tiniest little 200-seat crappy bars to 200,000-seat arenas," said Sean Danielsen, the guitarist and singer. "We've done all of the House of Blues, all the famous Hollywood clubs, done bigger venues for bigger bands and big radio concerts."

Now SES has its sights set on Dayton to finish its tour that started on Dec. 1, 2009.

The band will play at McGuffy's House of Rock tonight at 9 p.m. along with Burn Halo, The Last Vegas and Frequency 54. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

The three-man band consists of Danielsen, bassist Ryan Martin, and drummer Jake Kilmer, who joined in 2006. SES added a second guitarist for its album "Vulture," but quickly went back to a three-man show.

"We wanted the ambience and vibe that you could get by adding a second guitarist, but as soon as you add that second person, you've got to add their personality, too, and it just never felt right," Danielsen said in the band's biography by Paul Gargano. "Being a three piece is what works for us; it's where we really feel the chemistry."

After the end of this tour, SES will take a short break and then continue touring in March.

There are also talks of a summer tour, but that is still in its planning stages, Danielsen said.

"[Students] should come if they're into real rock music," Danielsen said. "It's a great rock show. The other bands are great, and we put our heart and soul into every song and every show."

To hear SES's music, go to http://www.myspace.com/smileemptysoulmusic.

Advance tickets for tonight's show can be purchased at mcguffys.net for $12 or at the door for $15. Audience members must be 18 years or older.