DC’s top blog for live concert reviews
The Joy Formidable (Photo courtesy the band)
The Joy Formidable recently shared a brand-new single, “Into the Blue.” It is the band’s first new material since their kaleidoscopic 2018 album AAARTH.
Written in North Wales and later completed at their homes in Utah, “Into the Blue” arrives self-assured and forthright, in a world still trying to regain its footing, stalked by the specters of manipulation, misinformation, and trepidation.
Laura Carbone (Photo by Thomas von der Heiden)
Berlin-based dark pop-rock songstress Laura Carbone released her third album, Laura Carbone – Live at Rockpalast on Dec. 4. The live recorded album was mixed by Scott von Ryper from The Jesus and Mary Chain and mastered by Phillip Wesling at Original Mastering in Hamburg, with no overdubs whatsoever, and reflects Laura’s unique brand of “Noisy Dreamadelica.”
After releasing the album’s lead single, Laura now follows up with “Cellophane Skin,” an empowering confession of sensitivity and a powerful statement on self-nurturing and on releasing rage and anger.
The Joy Formidable mug backstage at Rock and Roll Hotel on Nov. 29, 2019. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
Earlier this year, The Joy Formidable celebrated 10 years as a band by re-releasing the trio’s debut EP, A Balloon Called Moaning. In doing so, the band added a disc containing acoustic versions of the song recorded in their home Welsh language.
The noise poppers celebrated that anniversary — 10 years as a band really — with a rousing show at Rock and Roll Hotel recently. Jason Nicholson photographed them in action.
The Joy Formidable (Photo by Steve Reynolds)
The Joy Formidable celebrates the 10th anniversary of the band’s debut EP, A Balloon Called Moaning, at Rock and Roll Hotel on Friday, Nov. 29, with The Ten Years Floating Tour.
Bob Mould rocks the City Winery on Sept. 26, 2019. (Photo by David LaMason)
My introduction to Bob Mould came years ago after picking up a cut-out cassette of Hüsker Dü’s final LP, Warehouse: Songs and Stories. One of the first records I owned myself, I felt I had something special no one knew about. “There’s this record by this band and this guy’s voice is so cool!”
That guy’s voice, by the way, was Bob Mould. I hadn’t heard anyone sing like that before. Of course, I had been listening to mostly U2 and hair metal bands at that point, but that record was clearly different — and in a good way. It was melodic but loud, punk but with hooks.
Cherry Glazerr performs at U Street Music Hall on Feb. 13, 2019. (Photo by Andy Jillson)
Cherry Glazerr brought their LA-style mix of dreamy, yet somewhat dark, garage rock to DC’s U Street Music Hall recently; and there was no shortage of passion, vulnerability, and punk rock attitude.
Bob Mould performs at 9:30 Club on Feb. 14, 2019. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)
Bob Mould was spot on in a very satisfying show at 9:30 Club recently, presenting songs from Sunshine Rock, his 13th solo album, released only weeks ago via Merge Records. Jason Nicholson snapped Bob in performance!
Cherry Glazerr (Photo by Pamela Littky)
Los Angeles noise poppers Cherry Glazerr released Stuffed & Ready, the band’s third studio album, via Secretly Canadian on Feb. 1. The group performs at U Street Music Hall in support of the record on Wednesday, Feb. 13.
Bob Mould (Photo by Alicia J. Rose)
Bob Mould releases Sunshine Rock, his new album, on Friday via Merge Records, and then he drops by 9:30 Club for a show on Thursday, Feb. 14. Spend Valentine’s Day with the Bob Mould Band!
Los Campesinos! perform at the Black Cat on Nov. 17, 2018. (Photo by Shantel Breen)
Los Campesinos! are celebrating 10 years of music with a tour that made its last stop at the Black Cat this past Saturday night. Devoted fans started lining up over an hour before doors to get a good spot up front for this show. The audience members were treated to an outstanding performance that evening! Shantel Breen was up front to enjoy the show.
Angel K
AJ Waugh
ambienteye
Ari Strauss
Andy Jillson
Brenda Reyes
Chester Simpson
chriscastilloweb
Chris R. Smyth
Casey Vock
Daniel Webb
David LaMason
EDMit it
Shantel M Breen
isaiahhattix
Jason Nicholson "Le Mouton Flâneur"
jesternate
julesontheroadphotos
jwillview
kristiechua
marcshea2
Mark Caicedo
Mark Engleson
Mathew Harkins
Corey Paterson
mdxpc
Mickey McCarter
Miyun Park
Neal Keller
Parklifer
Kyle Gustafson
paivi
Rebecca
regardingtess
Robert Smith
shedrickpelt
theeternalname
Matt Ruppert
Will Colbert
Andrew Goodwin
Rick_Taylor1972