DC’s top blog for live concert reviews
Gorillaz (Art by Jamie Hewlett)
Pretty much every time Gorillaz releases a song during the pandemic, we name it our Song of the Day.
And so it goes with “Strange Timez” by Gorillaz featuring Robert Smith, a combination you may have been waiting for ever since Gorillaz began collaborating with inspirational artists to make songs (which has been since their very first tune)!
Body Double (Photo courtesy Force Field PR)
Recently, Oakland post-punk band Body Double shared the third single from its debut LP, Milk Fed, which is due Sept. 18 via Zum. Below, catch the accompanying music video for “Ready to Die” (directed by Dalton Blanco of the band Prissy Whip and co-starring earthworms and grasshoppers).
Gia Woods (Photo by Jenna Marsh)
Gia Woods continues to tease the release of her debut EP, Cut Season, sharing a new single “Chaos” recently. Over skittering percussion and sustained synth harmonies, Woods laments a toxic relationship as she croons through a ghostly filter, “baby that’s the thing about us, we only find love in chaos.”
Thurston Moore (Photo by Vera Marmelo)
The Daydream Library Series are ecstatic to release the new full length record by Sonic Youth founder Thurston Moore titled By The Fire, out Sept. 25.
The third 12-minute single “Siren” is out on Bandcamp.
One Way Out (Photo courtesy the band)
Young DC rockers One Way Out released a new single earlier this year, and the gents promise more music to come!
Meanwhile, frontman Josh Gaba and his bandmates perform at Jammin’ Java on Friday, Sept. 4, for a socially distant, outdoor show.
Hot Chip (Photo courtesy Pitch Perfect PR)
Late Night Tales is pleased to announce its latest installment to its long-running artist-curated mix series, this time curated by UK electronic artpop outfit Hot Chip.
Today, in conjunction with the announcement, Hot Chip present their ethereal cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Candy Says,” through which they add an element of displacement and detachment.
Alan Scott (Photo courtesy Sacks & Co.)
In the wake of social unrest and long-overdue increased awareness of institutionalized racism surrounding the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, DC songwriter and recording artist Alan Scott’s viral 2016 single and video “You Only See Me When I’m Gone” — written originally to address issues of race and police brutality following the tragic death of Eric Garner — was recently re-released.
Karen Jonas (Photo courtesy Big Hassle)
The voice of country music in the DMV is a big, bright voice that belongs to Virginia native Karen Jonas. A regular sight on DC concert stages, Karen releases her fifth album, The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams, on Friday, Aug. 28 via Yellow Brick Records.
On past tours, Karen has visited Texas, New Mexico, California, and their neighbors, scribbling notes while on the road. She drew upon those memories to animate the characters of The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams. The results are a little bit peppy and a little bit sad but always full of life.
Prior to the new album’s release, Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter chatted with Karen about the record, her band, and her desire to get back on the road. And Karen plays a free outdoor album release show with her full band at Jammin’ Java on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Born Ruffians (Photo by Vanessa Heins)
Toronto-based indie rockers Born Ruffians — Luke Lalonde (guitar/vocals), Mitch DeRosier (bass), and Steve Hamelin (drums) — return with their second album of 2020. The digital-only SQUEEZE will be out on Oct. 2 via Yep Roc Records.
For your listening pleasure, we present the track “30th Century War” from the new album.
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (Photo courtesy the artist)
(Editor’s note: We have confirmed this event is free! — updated!)
Seventeen-year-old Brandon Niederauer, nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, is living proof that dreams really do come true.
You can see so for yourself in a free outdoor show at Jammin’ Java on Friday, Aug. 28.
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