Incredible Change – Slipping On Ice

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DC’s own Incredible Change is back with new music following their 2015 eponymous LP with latest effort “Slipping On Ice.” The local synthpop outfit has gone through several iterations since their inception, and currently consists of Brock Ross and Greg Balleza on production and Ken Quam on drums. The track also features AIVA on vocals, a DC-based singer and frequent Incredible Change collaborator.

Ross spoke to CCP about the inspiration for the release: “Originally, I intended to put out another song before this, but with all the currents events and election, this song took over. And the title fit. This track is definitely a slower tempo, and has a slight tempo increase through the middle. Towards the end of the song, I feel we did some interesting layering of AIVA’s vocals that give the track a definite lift, and fits with the meaning of the song, picking yourself back up.”

It’s an earworm of a track, with gliding synths and AIVA’s silken pipes on full display. No show dates on the books yet, but look for Incredible Change to be performing in the DMV sometime this spring. Stream “Slipping On Ice” below.

Brompton Collective – Collide

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We love supporting local outfits, especially when they prick our ears with electronic earworms such as this. Meet Brompton Collective, an experimental electronic band based out of D.C. comprised of Julian Nienaber and Andrei Mamonau. The duo formed after Mamonau declined his return flight to Russia, endeavoring to pursue his musical proclivities stateside instead. Since their inception, the collective have amassed an underground following through mixtapes, homemade lo-fi melancholic productions, and their unruly live shows. Their debut single “Collide,” freshly released via Admirable Traits Records is a pulsing, electric guitar driven dance track with an alluring vocal.

The guys are currently in the studio working on their debut EP, so look out for more soon. Hear “Collide” below.

Young Summer – Fallout

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Earlier this summer, Bobbie Allen aka Young Summer shared the first single (“Alright“) off her upcoming EP, and now the DC artist has revealed the third threnody from the record. The cut, called “Fallout” is another gorgeous pop ballad, with lush synth textures infused with Allen’s signature sensibility. There’s also a sublime interlude around 2:35 that is worth the listen alone. Considering that Aqualung — an acclaimed pop artist turned producer of the early aughts — co-penned some of the tracks, we’re not at all surprised that this EP is shaping up to be one of the best pop collections of the year.

Brace your ears for the “Fallout” below. And if you’re looking to catch Young Summer live, she’ll be playing at NYC’s Mercury Lounge August 31.

Young Summer – Alright

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Washington D.C. songstress Young Summer, aka Bobbie Allen hit mainstream success with her 2014 debut LP Siren. Now she returns with a new EP that’ll be out sometime this summer — and the first taste of the extended play called “Alright.” Known for her lush melodies, synth-washed production and romantic lyrical laments, the new single falls right in line with what we’ve come to expect from the homegrown artist. Even as Allen sings about unrequited love — submerged in a sanguine sonic soundscape the track feels cathartic rather than punitive. Allen admits as much, confessing that the sparkling production is like a “protective armor.” See for yourself below and to hear the new songs live, catch Young Summer performing at U Street Music Hall July 22.

DC LIVE: Oh Pep! / Broncho / Fear of Men

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June is a busy month for shows, so we’ve got a new installment of DC Live for you today. The first band we’re featuring is a group called Oh Pep! that hails from Melbourne, Australia. The duo, headed by Olivia Hally (guitar/vocals) and Pepita Emmerichs (fiddle/mandolin) have a hybrid sound of folk and pop that has won the praises of NPR‘s Bob Boilen and KCRW. For a taste of what they have to offer, listen to the second single “Bushwick” off their forthcoming debut album Stadium Cake, which drops June 24 via Dualtone.

With a tireless year of touring ahead, the DMV will have not one but two chances to see them this summer — first at Wolf Trap opening for Lord Huron June 7, and then headlining at Jammin Java on July 7. Get hip to Oh Pep! now.

Next is a garage-rock band that originates from Norman, Oklahoma, has two albums under their belt and has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years. That’s right, BRONCHO is back with a new record, Double Vanity slated to release June 10 via Dine Alone Records. While the group is known for their unbridled, early punk influenced sound, the new album marks a shift in tone towards a sleeker, darker, and broodier vibe. Case in point, the track “I Know You” is a mellow, but still gritty late-night song — the kind you play when the party is winding down.

BRONCHO will be playing DC9 on June 25.

Finally, Fear of Men will be bringing their stoic, dark synthpop sounds to DC9 on June 30. For those unfamiliar, Fear of Men is a three-piece band based out of Brighton, UK, whose second full-length Fall Forever came out June 3 via Kanine Records. Speaking on the song “Trauma,” vocalist Jessica Weiss describes the topic at hand as “the undefinable anxiety and damage that all of us suffer at some point at the hands of another. It’s how we deal with it that defines us…to me, dealing with trauma is not about looking back, it’s about taking that experience and putting it under your own control, letting it become a part of you.” It’s about “empowerment through taking control.”

Weiss couldn’t be more right about that. Listen to the single below and be sure to check out their show later this month.

DC LIVE: Maryjo Mattea / The Thermals / Vetiver

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So many great live shows in DC every week it’s hard to keep track; thus we’re starting a new segment in which we highlight some noteworthy upcoming acts — both local and national — that you won’t want to miss.

First up in this new series we’re calling DC Live is our very own Maryjo Mattea, the folk-pop-punk-rock songstress and local fixture on the DC circuit. Mattea performs regularly in the District on any given night of the week with any of her many bands, which currently include synthpop collective Color Palette and the Beatles tribute act Doctor Robert and Penny Lane. This Thursday, April 28 she’ll be performing with A Pile of Dudes at Songbyrd Music House in celebration of the release of her new solo EP, Four Minute Symphonies. Listen to the sultry new single and torch track “Getting Over You,” replete with a sliding guitar solo from DC blues rocker Jonny Grave below.

Next up, Portland punk act The Thermals are currently on tour in support of their seventh album, We Disappear. With a solid fan base, the trio have been going strong for over a decade and continue to please fans with their signature lo-fi and distortion effects. The LP — out on Saddle Creek was produced by their longtime collaborator Chris Walla (formerly of Death Cab For Cutie). Hear the new track”My Heart Went Cold” below and catch them playing Black Cat April 30.

Longtime folk rockers Vetiver put out a new record last year called Complete Strangers and released on Easy Sound. The San Francisco-based outlet fronted by Andy Cabic exude an accessible affability on their sixth full-length, the follow up to 2011’s The Errant Charm. Check out their breezy, new Jack Johnson-esque track “Current Carry” below.

Vetiver will be playing The Hamilton on May 4.

Tigers Are Bad For Horses – Messenger

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At CCP we love all things local, and we especially love when local entities demonstrate real potential. That’s why when we first heard the sounds of DC-based Tigers Are Bad For Horses, we immediately agreed to feature their new EP. Today marks the release of the alt-pop duo’s debut EP, TABFH, the first compilation since their formation in 2014. Comprised of Mellen and Lyell, Tigers began when the former sang on one of Lyell’s film scoring projects. They quickly became a musical dyad, informed by a range of influences from Bonobo to Bon Iver — but eventually forging their own blend of piano-infused, jazz-influenced electronic pop with multi-layered production and lilting vocals.

Tigers Are Bad For Horses will be celebrating the release of their debut EP in DC tonight, and headlining Rock & Roll Hotel December 19 so if you’re in the area come on out to support this local talent.

Louis Weeks – Fire

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Today marks the release of Local DC artist Louis Weeks‘ independent sophomore album, haha. Whereas the last album, shift/away was a solitary affair — his latest effort shows him embracing “togetherness” and a bigger, more spontaneous and joyous sound overall. Employing the talents of fellow local musicians Noah Berman (guitar), Ethan Helm (woodwind), and Matt Honor (drums and cymbals) to play on the record, Weeks was able to achieve a more robust and full-band sound.

Although we love the full spectrum of Weeks’ sensibility, the lead single off the LP “Fire” is a prime example of this new dynamic with its orchestral horns, saxophones and swinging percussion. Aside from the obvious levity that the album title suggests, ‘haha’ is meant to represent two halves, as well as a sense of cohesiveness. Weeks tells the Washington Post: “The record is also about the joys and difficulties of trying to articulate the world around you. When you write ‘haha,’ you’re trying to express something that is inexpressible. In that moment, your feelings have reached the limits of language, and you’re free.”

Support the ingenious composer by purchasing the album on his bandcamp page here.

Pleasure Curses – Lust

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Pleasure Curses is a DC electronic duo that just released their new EP Pure / Lust on homegrown label Prince George Records. Recorded in an isolated and unfurnished house outside Chicago, the concept of the three-track EP was to “merge the cold, rigid sounds of new-wave synthesizers and drum machines with the vibrancy and energy of samba-inflected percussion.”

The lead single “Lust” is a minimal, shadowy track with a light dusting of disco. Listen below and if you’re in the ‘hood, catch Pleasure Curses opening for Tei Shi this Saturday, April 25 at DC9, and then May 22 at the Smithsonian.

Louis Weeks – Fold

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Louis Weeks is a Baltimore-bred, DC-based composer and songwriter who produces music for tv/film by day, while crafting his own material by night. His debut LP, shift/away, released January 2014 is a masterful compilation of innovative indie pop that was put together over the course of two years. Weeks weaves together different instruments, sound effects and layering on the album to create a fantastic dreamscape, reminding us of the artistry of Owen Pallett. Listen to the compelling single, “Fold” below and check out his Soundcloud page for more. The word is that Weeks has a new album in the works, so we have that to look forward to as well.

Local DC brethren will have the chance to catch Weeks live next Wednesday, November 5 at Gypsy Sally’s, a show curated by Communion Records.