Drinking Buddies

Gordon

Much can be said about the DC music community; some are quick to dismiss it as elitist, while others love the close-knit scene. The gap that divides these opposing opinions often reflects people’s ideas of what DC music should be. Some believe that the hardcore and grunge era of the 90’s was the best time for DC music. With bands like Fugazi and Lorelei, the music scene represented a stark contrast to the straight-laced daytime politics of the District. Often a mirror of discontent with the system and distrust of the government, these bands shined brightly throughout the country representing a “thinking man’s” rebellion located right in the heart of the beast.

Times have changed bands have disappeared or fallen off the radar. Yet out of the ashes arose a promising scene that expands well beyond what DC music used to be. Pop, rock, dance, folk and country have all converged into the eclectic scene that we hear today. However, for those of you hoping that the good ol’ days will come again you need to see Drunk Buddies.

Kris

Hailing from College Park, MD, Drunk Buddies was hatched by two…well… buddies Gordon and Kris.They encapsulate the heart of hardcore without drowning their music in distortion and incoherent screaming. Melodic bands such as Modest Mouse influence their music and give them a fresh sound, but their songs are centered mainly on the unique angst of living within the District. They take a simple approach to their music, two people with a drum set and a guitar, playing trance inducing riffs with thundering rhythms. They don’t often sing/scream but when they do the songs come to a head in a wild frenzy that must be seen. Much to the delight of the crowd both switch seamlessly between drums and guitar with ease, and will challenge you and your friends to pick the more proficient player out of the two.

Now I know what you think when you hear the name Drunk Buddies, “That sounds like a shitty cover band from Central Pennsylvania.” You would be wrong, so incredibly wrong! Gordon had a few things to say about the name. “We were not trying to be ironic or anything…. We believe in the name and I feel that, you know, what is more awesome than having a drunk buddy to get into trouble with you?”

Regardless of the ironic nature of the name the music is solid and at the Velvet Lounge on a snow covered Wednesday they played an amazing set. Some songs didn’t have names, while other songs rolled into each other with little or no break. However, from the beginning to end all the songs had a cleverly simplistic and pure approach, which is their trademark. One of my picks of the night was “Cigarettes,” which had a blistering riff that immediately had the crowd up and around the stage.

One question that is often left in the minds of the audience is what if they had a few more musicians? Gordon said “they were not against adding more players to the band as long as the retained control of the writing.” I feel that the best part is the fact it is only two people. The stripped down and straightforward approach that Drunk Buddies takes, to me, is what gives them a unique quality. In a scene full of polished acts it is nice to see a band with enough heart and cleverness to stand out from the pack. Check out their upcoming shows and songs here and have a few beers with your buddies.