Local bands can’t often say they’ve shared the stage with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails and the Mars Volta.But Norcio, a Baton Rouge fixture since 2006, has bragging rights as they were the opening act at the 2008 Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans.”It was awesome having our names on the T-shirts next to [bands like] Stone Temple Pilots,” said the band’s lead singer and guitarist Joseph Henry Poliquin V. “A few of the bands didn’t show up, so we were the first band to take the stage.”But the five-piece band fans could expect to hear these days is a far cry from the one that rocked the NooMoon stage in City Park a year and a half ago. After numerous lineup changes, Norcio is constantly developing a newer, more mature sound.”Old Norcio probably [sounded] more pissed off,” said bassist Sam Claitor, a graphic design freshman at the University. “I would say it’s definitely a more mature sound. The lyrics and the music are better composed.”The band’s dynamic sound, which Claitor said segues between indie and groove rock, can be attributed to its multi-dimensional songwriting process.”Usually, writing with Joe [Poliquin] is a very emotional experience on my part,” said vocalist and rhythm guitarist Samantha D’Shay, Poliquin’s fiancée. “We really concentrate on making the lyrics very personal. We can explain where every lyric we write comes from.”The band members said having an engaged couple adds to their dynamic rather than presenting any problems. “It’s cool seeing how well they work together,” said keyboardist Jared Saia. “They get in fights every now and then, but it’s always about music — the same thing any bandmate would fight about.”Poliquin said writing songs with his fiancee is good for the band and his relationship.”Most people think it’d be horrible or devastating,” Poliquin said. “But if [your partner] understands you enough and puts in as much emotion as you, it’s better for your relationship and for the band.” The band’s current lineup is rounded out by drummer Brady   Gautreaux, a Gonzales resident. Although Norcio has gone though significant changes in its sound and lineup, Poliquin says he finds inspiration to move forward from the only person who believed in his ability to pursue music.”My grandmother’s maiden name was Norcio,” Poliquin said. “When she passed away, they had these cards they gave out that had her full name on it, and it just stood out to me. She was the only person in my family who wanted me to keep playing music.”The band’s first full-length album, “Home Sweet Home,” is set for a Feb. 20 release and will feature a compilation of the band’s older and more recent material. Norcio is playing CD release shows Feb. 20 at the Spanish Moon on Highland Road and Feb. 26 at The Bar in New Orleans.–Contact Ben Bourgeois at [email protected]