AM to PM

They’re young mods who dress sharp in Beatles boots and turtlenecks and listen to, well, the Beatles and the Turtles. They talk about how they were listening to catchy pop songs long before Mike Myers grooved to them in the summer movie “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.” And they’re predicting that ‘60s-styled AM radio pop will be the next sound to burst through.

Why not?

If the L.A. band the Wondermen (who perform on the “Austin Powers” soundtrack) can pull off a major-label deal, maybe O.C. bands likewise inspired by the Association and Sergio Mendes will follow.

But fans don’t want things getting too hot, too fast. They enjoy the underground vibe of the scene--”nice, organic, not corrupt, without wannabes running around,” says one who takes in the melodic and upbeat pop sounds on the last Saturday of each month at Fitzgerald’s in Huntington Beach.

The night, called Incense and Peppermints after the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s ’67 hit, showcases home-grown talent in its five-band lineup.

In July, Charlotte’s Bionic Blimp played at Fitzgerald’s, then rolled into L.A., where it won in a battle of the bands at Universal City Walk and was able to move ahead to a larger contest with a $5,000 first prize. The next step in the City Walk contest is Sunday.

The next Incense and Peppermints will be Sept. 6 (a week late because of Labor Day): (714) 968-4523.