The groovy retro-psychedelic group, based out of its Highland Park House of Vibes studio, recently returned from shows in London, a tour of Spain, and has its latest album, "Summer of a Thousand Years," out in those countries, as well as Japan and Australia.

After years of being the lone band in the wilderness playing 1960s-inspired power pop, it seems that the world has finally caught up with the Grip Weeds, thanks in part to the help the band has received from indie Rainbow Quartz records.

Bands such as the Strokes and the Hives now mine the same garage-rock textures as the Grip Weeds, making it considerably easier for the Highland Park quartet to make inroads in far off lands.

"It's nice to see that there's still interest in it," said drummer and vocalist Kurt Reil. "I think the interest is very real and it's not contrived."

Still, no band is going to be picking up its Learjet at the airport anytime soon by playing this type of music.

"It's definitely not commercial music," Reil said. "It's definitely not made for money; it's made for the love of the music."

It shows. There's enough ringing Rickenbackers, heavenly harmonies and merry melodies on "Summer of a Thousand Years" to transform the listener into a kaleidoscopic reverie.

Reil -- along with brother Rick Reil, guitarist Kristin Pinell and bassist Michael Nattboy -- play tonight at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick. The similarly influenced -- and quite talented - Anderson Council and Holy Goats are also on the bill. Lava lamps are optional.