Photo courtesy of the Unrest MySpace band page

It is funny how time works, bestowing age and decay on some, while others become better defined and more mature. For DC music favorites Unrest, time has smiled generously upon the band and brought them a more refined and rich sound that has enhanced their music. Last Saturday, the band reunited on stage at the Black Cat to pay homage to its once DC-based record label Teenbeat. The rare appearance was the band’s second performance in 16 years and it was worth the wait. Offering their fans songs from past albums laden with sugary pop flourishes and punk-spirited indulgences, the band proved that their songs are just as relevant now as they were when they were when they were first released more than a decade ago.

With a collection filled with numerous albums, seven-inch singles and one-off improvisational songs it was difficult to predict what the band would choose to perform that evening. The audience waited patiently for Unrest—in all its different incarnations—to take the stage. First, Phil Krauth and Mark Robinson along with early band members Tim Moran and Dave Park performed several songs, including a comedic interlude and 12-string guitar ballad. Next Phil, Mark, and Bridget Cross, the members of Unrest from 1991-1994, appeared on stage much to the delight of the audience. This trio released the critically acclaimed “Imperial f.f.r.r.” album, and later the “Perfect Teeth” album co-released with 4AD. What happened to this band you might ask? Like many great bands before them they broke up in 1994 and each went on to pursue other musical projects.

Photo courtesy of the Unrest MySpace band page

For this night at least the band was back together and the audience was there to relish each song. The band played a number of pieces from its “Imperial f.f.r.r.” album including one of the band’s most memorable songs, “Isabel.” The piece offers a sad lament built upon a deceptive foundation of optimism from within the melody. Soon you are overcome by Bridgette’s dark and ethereal sounding vocals about a “lovely child” who was “all alone from life’s beginning” and ended up drowning in a river. It doesn’t get much better than this.

After the song “June,” the band graced the stage with its fan-favorite “Suki.” Made purely of pop dreams and unicorns, the song evokes all the levity and light heartedness that goes hand-in-hand with love only to border on obsession in true Unrest fashion. Listening to the song evokes an involuntary response from your toes, fingers and head. Before long your body is bopping along to the rhythm and there’s nothing to do but succumb. Don’t be worried or embarrassed; one scan of the room and you’ll see that everyone is overcome by the same affliction. As long-time fan Gina explains it, her appreciation for Unrest is based on the band’s “super bouncy bass line that is fun” and lyrics that “have a nice tight quality to them that makes for a great mix.”

By the end of the evening the band managed to thank the audience with a set that resonated deeply with all the fans, both old and new. Take them along with you on your next drive downtown or run around the city and fall in love with them all over again of for the first time.

Photo courtesy of Steve Hay

Dave Mann and his friends have a story to tell, one that started with Minefields (a vetoed band name) and ended at Mittenfields. Last Friday, after a year-long hiatus from performing, Mittenfields returned to the stage at the Velvet Lounge. Judging by the audience’s warm reception, it was clear that the band was missed. Original members, including Erik Sleight and Sam Sherwood on guitars; Dan Ramspacher on drums; and Dave Mann commanding vocals and the bass returned, along with new additions, Sadie Dingfelder on violin and Ron Storhaug on trumpet. The band was finally ready to officially make its return. During the set, the band offered an inspiring and enthusiastic performance that showcased its own brand of rock music with a friendly nod to hardcore.

Mittenfields opened with the song, “My Mind is An Avalanche” invoking passion and emotion into the vocals and setting an upbeat tone for the rest of the evening.  By the time they dove into their second song, I had already identified three fundamental things about the “new and improved” Mittenfields:  1) that they looked and sounded at home on stage; 2) that each of them are clearly talented musicians; and 3) boy are they loud—as Sadie so aptly noted while on stage, “Two songs in and I can’t hear a damn thing… must be a good show!”  Good show indeed.

Photo courtesy of Steve Hay

As the set continued, the band brought more energy, more heart, and even more wattage to its sound. The band however, was most notably consistent in its tempo, control and pacing throughout the evening—all while managing to keep the vocals lively and the performance unforced. Songs such as “Skinnydippin’” also highlighted the band’s ability to seamlessly layer intricate layers of instrumentals and vocals together as they performed various styles of what I can only describe as rock goodness.

Mittenfields proved to be a fun and engaging band with a genuine love for the music that they make. Their smiles on and off stage come across in the music that they share with fans, both old and new.  Be sure to catch Mittenfields at one of their upcoming shows for a homecoming unlike any other.

As part of DoS’ ongoing series about local DC music venues we interviewed DC9’s  owner, manager and resident DJ Bill Spieler about the club.

Talk with any local band from DC worth its salt and chances are that they have performed at DC9. Talk with any DC music lover and you can be sure that they have been there to see a few shows and have a few drinks. Since opening in 2004, the club has earned a reputation for being one of the best local venues for live music and has raised the bar for area clubs. DC9’s success relies upon a mix of good management and solid music bookings to keep patrons coming back.

Before DC9 was DC9, Spieler remembers that there was a need for a venue that fit somewhere in between The Velvet Lounge and The Black Cat. The moment he walked into the building that would later become DC9, he knew that they could make something great to fill that need. With years of experience managing local clubs and DJing, Spieler had the knowledge and good instincts to make DC9 happen.

Walk into the club and you’ll find yourself standing next to the long bar with regulars sitting on the barstools chatting up the staff.  Once upstairs you’ll see a cross-section of young DCers congregating in the cozy booths enjoying some drinks before the dance music begins. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious—where bike messenger meets Hill staffer, line chef meets lawyer and intern meets guitar player.

Upcoming shows feature hot DC and national acts like New Rock Church of Fire, The Golden Filter, Villagers, Math Panda and Loose Lips. The club works with local booker Steve Lambert to fill the club’s calendar. Spieler notes that Lambert has the critical talent and “good sense” when putting together the right combination of bands.”  Every Friday night the Libration Dance Party takes over the club marquee and dancing to new music and videos ensues. Spieler himself takes the reins often and treats patrons to sets filled with British radio style and alternative music.

While you’re there, don’t forget to try some of the food or at least check out the club’s surprisingly robust menu. You’ll find the standard items sure to satisfy, but don’t overlook the fried pickles, hush puppies, and grilled cheese sandwiches (made with Gouda). Keeping with its DC roots, Spieler and team included a nod to DC bands by naming a few burgers after some local groups like The Jet Age.

DC9

1940 9th Street Northwest

Washington, DC 20001-4108

It was not until guitarist and vocalist Jess Matthews wrote and recorded several songs that she brought together the band. Mark Cisneros playing guitar; Olivia Mancini strumming bass; and Justin Moyer on drums complete this quasi-pop/Americana influenced group. Together, they keep America Hearts beating all across DC.

The band currently has an EP out titled, “Fond Regards.”  The four-song introduction to the band has a minimalist sound to be sure, but succeeds thanks to being grounded by strong instrumentals. The lyrics are worthy of a classic storybook or two, and the band displays their hearts on their sleeves for everyone to see making it pretty much impossible not to embrace their songs.

As Jess notes, “There are sort of two main themes—in ‘Heart’ and ‘Train Tracks,’ I’m narrating songs about love. One is about its development and the other its demise or unending dejection.  ’Home’ and ‘Breaking Glass’ are meant more to convey bitter/sweet feelings, one is about memories and the other is about ambition.” By presenting simple concepts that take listeners in very different directions, “Fond Regards” offers a light-hearted and entertaining playlist that leaves ample room for  individual thought and reflection.

These songs are a timely addition to your perfect springtime soundtrack. Be sure to get your heart beating to the same rhythm as America Hearts and check them out at their upcoming local shows on April 23 at Paper Sun and April 28 at The Velvet Lounge.

Joe's Record Paradise, new Silver Spring location

Joe’s Record Paradise is a local music institution that has been fulfilling the music needs of DC audiophiles since 1974. The legendary store carries just about everything and anything you could ever care to listen to in record format, including: rock, jazz, international, hip-hop and bluegrass. Previously located in Rockville, MD, and now in Silver Spring, the store houses an extraordinary collection of vinyl. When word spread that the store was moving to Silver Spring, patrons of the store wondered whether the change in the store’s zip code would mean a change in the store’s unique charm.

The move was due to a number of reasons, including the need for more space and an increase in rent at the old location. Tim, part of the Joe’s Record Paradise team noted that at the Rockville location, “much of the merchandise was in storage and packed away in boxes.” It couldn’t be shared with customers until now. With more space, Joe’s Record Paradise is expanding and hopes to also become an occasional venue for live music. The store also will be expanding its collection to spotlight more music from local artists.

Located inconspicuously next to a mattress store, Joe’s Record Paradise sits on Georgia Avenue—just a block or two away from Jackie’s restaurant and within walking distance of the Silver Spring metro stop.  Once inside, the shop opens up into a large, warehouse like room with several long aisles filled with records. The crates are neatly organized and categorized by music style.

Watching customers come and go from Joe’s Record Paradise for more than a decade, Tim sees the shop as an “active place” where “people can gather and be a part of the music scene.” The store itself plays a large role in that scene. Chatting with the knowledgeable staff and regular customers there who spend hours combing through the crates, you learn that each record has a story, and for just a few bucks you can walk out with it and make it your own—and that’s something that will never change at Joe’s Record Paradise.

It’s like being a kid in a candy store.

You can check out Joe’s Record Paradise for yourself anytime Monday – Saturday between 10:00am – 9:00pm and on Sundays from 12:00pm – 6:00pm. The store hosts its grand opening party featuring live performances from Chick Hall Jr. and the Mustangs from 3:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, April 10.

Joe’s Record Paradise:

8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910

301 jukebox (585.3269)

Photo by Carrie Wojcik

Take a classically trained vocalist, a handful of talented musicians, and a songbook filled with entertaining lyrics and there you will have Sweet Interference. “What most characterizes [their] sound is the classical and rock fusion,” explained the band’s singer, Moira. “We are a band that likes to play around with traditional music theory and use chord progressions and harmonies that are not the standard format you hear on the radio.”

Photo by James Burger

Do you remember the days when you had to wait for your favorite band’s new album to hit the store shelves before you could listen to it? It was of course, like all good things, worth the wait. The months leading up to that moment you got your hands on it only built up the excitement, anticipation, and resulting satisfaction. Now, we find ourselves in a decade characterized by instant communication and immediate gratification where music has become a different type of commodity. Consequently, our relationship with music—how we see it, and how we consume it—has changed dramatically. It was clear long ago that bands, fans, audiences and venues alike must all evolve.

Gist, a three-piece rock band from Arlington, VA, has been performing for the last 10 years and has weathered the changing musical landscape. They have witnessed the metamorphosis of the DC music scene, which has changed greatly from when they first began performing back in the 90’s and found their modern relevancy. Together, this triumvirate consisting of Nayan Bhula (guitar and vocals); Fred Burton (drums and percussion); and Finley Martin (bass) are keeping DC’s alt-rock traditions alive and well today.

The band’s performance earlier this week at The Black Cat was nothing short of awe inspiring. The show highlighted an undeniable confidence in their performance style and reaffirmed their place as a staple in the DC music scene. [This is a not-so-secret pun, check out their record label Red Stapler Records.]

Gist’s set was varied, entertaining and insightful. The songs showcased the band’s ability to master a wide variety of crazy tempos, time signatures and keys without missing a beat. They opened with a new track called “Run,” in which the band quickly set off with the audience in tow. Nayan’s vocals, reminiscent of a low growling, backed by Finley’s steady bass chords seemed to fill every inch of the room. Another highlight of the evening was “Hold On” off of their last album, “Conversations, Expectations.” The song was a treat—featuring catchy hooks and melodies only to be enhanced by Fred’s freefalling drumbeats. Listeners in the audience couldn’t help but channel their inner rock star. If you aren’t convinced by now of this band’s talent, then their performance of “Rock N’ Roll Ruined My Life” would leave you speechless. All three band members rose to new heights in this song inspired by a quote from a friend. The song resonated as a passionate ode to the one you hate, but desperately love—it doesn’t get any better than this!

The band is looking forward to working on a new album in 2010 and will have a few local shows coming up throughout the year. If the new songs the band performed at this show are any indication, the future album will be a must-have—definitely worth the wait. Lucky for us, you don’t have to wait too long for their next show however. Gist returns to the stage at The Red and The Black on April 23. If you haven’t gotten the Gist by now, check out www.myspace.com/gist for more details.

Photo courtesy of Andrzej Liguz, More Images

Thievery Corporation is arguably one of the most influential and successful music groups operating in Washington, DC, today. The internationally renowned DJ duo consisting of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton just completed a marathon series of sold out shows at the 9:30 Club this January—much to the delight of local fans.  Since their more humble beginnings in the mid 1990’s, the two have become a self-sustaining musical powerhouse. Headlining shows in major cities around the world, infusing important global messages into their music and cultivating businesses within their own community and beyond—Garza and Hilton are leading their own musical movement that begins right here at our doorstep.

The DJs frequently use their musical platform to voice opinions on some of the world’s most controversial issues. At times Thievery Corporation’s most vocal criticisms are directed towards those who influence world affairs from within DC itself. Often referred to by the two artists as “Babylon,” DC in part represents the vice and the greed that contributes to the world’s injustices.

In the midst of dramatic events at home and abroad in late 2008, Thievery Corporation released its fifth album—Radio Retaliation—to mixed reviews. The album reflected the current events from a tumultuous year through a series of verbal strikes packaged within a produced symphony of electronic down-tempo beats and synthesized instruments. Radio Retaliation ultimately reinforced Thievery Corporation’s musical production prowess and sound mixing abilities—redefining their style of down-tempo mixes. Perhaps more importantly, the album provided listeners (namely myself) with a fresh political lens through which they could see the world—back when it first debuted, and today, more than a year later.

Radio Retaliation Cover Art

In 2008 the world witnessed financial markets around the world spiral downward as fear of a possible US recession spread; a US intelligence committee concluded that President Bush and his staff had overstated evidence that Saddam Hussein possessed nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons; and of course Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America.  It was time to officially “Sound the Alarm.” The first track of Radio Retaliation literally employs a siren with a command to “sound the alarm” and “order the attack.” The war had already begun at home and abroad. Continuing on, the following 13 tracks captured the world’s overwhelming disdain for the political players and false idols of change in power at the time. Sentiments such as, “I’m the president of a shadow government, the grand governor of the Federal Reserve, public enemy of the society, the one you cannot see…” in the song 33 Degree, underscored the fundamental problems within the American political system at the time. One thing was clear—it was time for a change and Radio Retaliation was the soundtrack for that change.

Following President Obama’s State of the Union address this week, the album once again proves its relevancy as an impactful critique on our society and the lengths to which we must go to affect change. Emerging from the modern day “Great Depression;” challenged by international climate control controversies; and witnessing the continuation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is no wonder there is a “deficit of trust” as noted by President Obama. In the song Vampires, one of Thievery Corporation’s most well rounded and critically acclaimed songs from Radio Retaliation, they warn, “They’ll gain the world, but lose their souls. Don’t believe politicians and thieves, they want our people on their bended knees.” Consider also, having just lost the supermajority in the Senate, the Democratic Party and President Obama are fighting to keep control of Congress. However, more importantly, we are all struggling to move the country forward. It is in this context that we see songs such as the upbeat “El Pueblo Unido”—which loosely translated refers to the Chilean resistance anthem of the 1970’s known as, “the people united will never be defeated”—become a rallying cry once more for a new cause. As the State of the Union address neared its end, President Obama proclaimed “I campaigned on the promise of change; change we can believe in, and right now, I know there are many Americans who aren’t sure if they still believe we can change…” It is clear that a unifying force is needed, and we can only hope that the coming year does not have us replaying this soundtrack, but rather takes us down the “Shining Path” towards the “Sweet Tides” of peace.

While Garza and Hilton are certainly not afraid to voice their beliefs and to hold our world’s leaders accountable for their actions, they are also two of the staunchest advocates and promoters of the entrepreneurial spirit and independent nature synonymous with DC. Embracing this self-starting attitude, Garza and Hilton have reinvested much back into the city in which they reside—starting with their DC studio fondly referred to as the “Thievery Consulate.”  Hilton also is involved with several other trend-setting venues including Eighteenth Street Lounge, Marvin, Gibson, and the new Patty Boom Boom club on U Street.

Take a spin with Thievery Corporation and start your own revolution.