Wales

Snapshots: The Joy Formidable w/ Twen @ Rock and Roll Hotel — 11/29/19

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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.

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Live Review: Marina @ The Anthem — 9/18/19

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marina19 Marina performs at The Anthem on Sept. 18, 2019. (Photos by Katherine Gaines/ ambienteye.com; Words by Mickey McCarter)

When examining the whole of pop music through a rear-view mirror, it becomes clear that most musicians have little new to say after their first and second records.

Marina Diamandis, known eponymously as Marina and formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds, doesn’t have that problem. The Welsh chanteuse released Love + Fear, in April via Atlantic Records, drawing from some study she did on psychology and how the two emotions in the title of the record drive all of human behavior. She broke it down for her audience in a very crowded show at The Anthem recently.

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Live Review: The Alarm @ State Theatre — 8/25/19

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Mike Peters fronts The Alarm at the State Theatre on Aug. 25, 2019. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)

Guitar-wielding swashbuckler Mike Peters and his rockstar crew highjacked the State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, recently on the strength of sheer charisma. Mike, a seasoned showman, wailed and strummed his way through a dramatic set celebrating the summer release of a new album, Sigma, and all of the Celtic power of the post-punk band’s famous numbers.

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Music Park: Los Campesinos! w/ Adult Mom @ The Black Cat — 11/17/18

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Los Campesinos! at the Black Cat DC for ParklifeDC
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.

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Music Park: The Joy Formidable @ The Black Cat — 11/10/18

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The Joy Formidable at The Black Cat for ParklifeDC 11/10/18The Joy Formidable rocked out at The Black Cat on Nov. 10, 2018. (Photo by Shantel Breen) 

The Joy Formidable, the always dynamic three-piece from Wales, closed their recent tour at The Black Cat on Saturday.  They provided fans with not only a fantastic set but included an after party to celebrate the end of a four-week tour for their fans as well.

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Music Park: Gruff Rhys @ DC9 — 10/11/18

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Gruff Rhys performs at DC9
Gruff Rhys performs at DC9 on Oct. 11, 2018. (Photo by Kyle Gustafson)

Gruff Rhys has been providing listeners with a steady stream of clever and catchy songs since the mid-’90s, first as leader of the Super Furry Animals and later as a collaborator with people like Boom Bip, Damon Albarn, Mogwai, Danger Mouse, and Simian Mobile Disco. Oh yeah, he’s also released five pretty amazing solo albums as well. Gruff brought that significant catalog to DC9 recently.

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