D.C. has a thriving music scene. Here are some of this week’s best opportunities to catch up with local sounds.
Jacques Le Coque, Psychic Subcreatures, Slurred Words @ Lamont Street
Connecticut natives Jacques Le Coques are a self-proclaimed “roving gang of switchblade-wielding rock’n’rollers working in this garage rock idiom.” Their latest album, Hooky, was released earlier this year, and their new single “Tip of My Tongue” has gotten plenty of buzz. DC natives Psychic Subcreatures (synth-y vibes with a healthy punk infusion) and Slurred Words (lo-fi punk) will provide supporting sets.
Title Tracks, BRNDA, Art Sorority for Girls @ MLK Library
In celebration of a whole year of Library Basement Shows, local acts Title Tracks, BRNDA, and Art Sorority for Girls will showcase some of the best local music D.C. has to offer. D.C. music veterans Title Tracks recently announced plans to record new material, so there’s a good chance a new song or two might slip into their set. Meanwhile, local indie-rock outfit BRNDA has had a busy year; they released their album Year of the Manatee in August and receiving attention from WAMU for the single “Go-Bi.” Art Sorority for Girls, the brainchild of songwriter Daoud Tyler-Ameen, will perform a short solo set. His setlist is, apparently, undecided – meaning fans can lobby for their favorite songs off 2014’s Older Boys, or ask for old favorites form 2011’s Slow Dance.
Dot Dash, Nox @ Comet Ping Pong
Local outfits Dot Dash and Nox celebrate the DVD release of Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, DC. The documentary looks at D.C.’s legendary DIY scene throughout the 80’s, when the likes of Minor Threat, Government Issue, and Fugazi were redefining punk as we knew it. It seems only right that Nox and Dot Dash, both descendants of the capitol’s punk traditions, provide the soundtrack to the momentous occasion.
Ought, LVL UP, BRNDA @ Comet Ping Pong
Imported from Montreal, Ought stops by D.C. in support of their new (very new) album, Sun Coming Down. Their fuzzed-out tracks are laden with catchy hooks, and pair well with LVL UP’s similarly pop-tinged indie-rock. LVL UP, for their part, is touring in support of Three Songs, the New York natives’ newest release (tip: Three Songs is now pay-what-you-want on Bandcamp, proceeds benefit the Silent Barn). D.C. outfit BRNDA will play an opening set, in case you miss their Thursday show at the MLK Library.
Alex and the XO’s, Tigers Are Bad for Horses, Accidental Ghost @ Velvet Lounge
Illinois five-piece Alex and the XO’s bring their jangly indie-pop the DC in support of their full-length eponymous debut. Their hook-focused guitars and well-layered vocal harmonies make for easy listening – the perfect sound to wind down your weekend. DC natives Tigers Are Bad for Horses and Accidental Ghost will perform opening sets. Accidental Ghost has been busy in the studio, and released a new single earlier this month. Fresh off a performance at Kickback Music Festival, Tigers Are Bad for Horses’ set will be some of the finest local music you hear all week.
