DC LIVE: Jah Wobble / Nick Waterhouse / Preoccupations (FKA Viet Cong)

Posted on by poetryinanemptycokecan

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On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started the segment DC LIVE to call out our picks.

To kick off this edition we have the English musician Jah Wobble, who will be playing Rock & Roll Hotel with his band The Invaders Of The Heart September 23. Drawing on influences of dub, jazz and world music, John Wardle aka Jah Wobble has had a long and storied career. Originally known as the bass player for Public Limited Ltd (PiL), he later went on to fashion his own solo career, releasing his new album Everything Is No Thing with The Invaders this August. If you enjoy a good rhythm and blues section, listen to the single “Cosmic Blueprint” and check out his show at Rock & Roll this week.

Continuing the theme of rhythm and soul, Nick Waterhouse also has a show coming up at Rock & Roll Hotel on October 12. The LA-based musician is releasing his third album Never Twice (via Innovative Leisure) on September 30, which showcases his signature pastiche of R&B-rooted sounds. Calling upon some of his favorite artists to contribute to the record–Waterhouse solicited Jazz musician Bob Kenmotsu’s on the flute, Tom Waits and Elvis Costello collaborator Ralph Carney on sax, and Dr. Lonnie Smith protégé Will Blades on organ–amongst others. Waterhouse also collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Leon Bridges on the track “Katchi,” which you can hear below. For a night of doo wop and neo-soul swag, be sure to come out for the show.

And finally, the band formerly known Viet Cong, recently rechristened as Preoccupations will also be playing Rock & Roll Hotel this October 16 (killing it with the bookings much R&R?). Working with Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) on their new self-titled LP through Jagjaguwar, the post-punk Canadian group’s new album reflects their present state at the time of recording — one of flux within both their professional and personal lives. Listen below to the album’s opus, an amorphous 11-minute journey entitled “Memory” featuring Wolf Parade‘s Dan Boeckner on vocals.

DC LIVE: Air Traffic Controller / Holy Fuck / Future Generations

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On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started a segment called DC Live to call out our favorites. First up on the docket is a Boston-based indie band known as Air Traffic Controller, who are playing at Jammin’ Java TONIGHT in Vienna.

The story behind ATC is an interesting one — singer-songwriter Dave Munro had served in the US Navy as a real-life air traffic controller, sending out 4-track demos during his deployment. After his enlistment was up, Munro arrived back home in Boston to discover he had inadvertently established a fanbase, which prompted the career switch under the same name. He first met singer Casey Sullivan, and then the duo quickly grew into a quintet with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott, Richie Munro on drums, and violinist Jeremy Van Cleave. Their following hit single “You Know Me” is off their 2012 sophomore LP Nordo, which soared to the number one spot on the Hype Machine at the time and sealed their status as all-American indie darlings.

Another upcoming show we’re excited about is the influential Canadian experimental rock band Holy Fuck, who are hitting the road in support of their first album in six years — Congrats. They’re known for having a particularly electrifying live show with lots of improv and electronic ingenuity, so make sure to check them out at DC9 this coming week on July 21. Watch the video for new track “Tom Tom” below.

And finally, the NYC-based indie band Future Generations are playing Tropicalia August 5 with support from local DC bands Wylder and Clones of Clones. The foursome first came together in the dorms of Fordham University, who bonded over their nerd-like zeal and shared appreciation of all forms of pop music. Now the quartet is gearing up to release their self-titled debut album via Frenchkiss Records July 29. Stream the infectious album single “Stars” and be sure to come out to the show if you’re in the area.

Holy Fuck – Xed Eyes

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Even after a six year hiatus, Holy Fuck is not a name that can soon be forgotten. The Canadian electronica outfit has announced a surprise new record, Congrats, scheduled to drop on Innovative Leisure May 27. Previewing a track on Zane Lowe this week, “Xed Eyes” is a bold and dark indie dance-rock number that cuts to the pith of what makes the experimental act so appealing. They’ve also announced a slew of North American tour dates this summer, which you can eye below while you listen to the single. Lou Reed once said they were the best band he’d seen at SXSW, so you won’t want to miss their electric live set. DC brethren can catch their performance at DC9 July 21.

2016 Tour Dates:
June 4: Toronto, ON – Field Trip at Historic Fort York
June 12: San Diego, CA – Casbah
June 13: Los Angeles, CA – Club Bahia
June 14: San Francisco, CA – The Independent
June 16: Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
June 17: Vancouver, BC – Levitation Festival at Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
June 18: Seattle, WA – Crocodile
July 14: Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
July 15: Detroit, MI – Shelter
July 16: Ottawa, ON – RBC Ottawa Bluesfest at LeBreton Flats
July 18: Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
July 19: Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
July 20: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
July 21: Washington, D.C. – DC9
July 22: Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Sadd

Superhumanoids – Norwegian Black Metal

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Electropop trio Superhumanoids have offered up new track “Norwegian Black Metal,”  which is the second cut from their forthcoming album Do You Feel Ok?. According to the LA act, “the song is about obsession, escapism, and the power of something random to bring two people together — in this case the book True Norwegian Black Metal.” Despite the radical content of the book, the track itself is super dreamy, driven by lithe synths and singer Sarah Chernoff’s sugar-coated vocals.

Do You Feel OK? — the follow up to their 2013 debut Exhibitionists — drops September 11 via Innovative Leisure. Stream the new cut below and check out the dates for their fall headline tour,  which includes a stop at DC9 on September 30.

Superhumanoids Upcoming Tour Dates:

9/15 – San Francisco, CA; Rickshaw Stop
9/17 – Seattle, WA; Barboza
9/18 – Portland, OR; Holocene
9/21 – Madison, WI; Frequency
9/22 – Chicago, IL; Beat Kitchen
9/23 – Cleveland, OH; Euclid Tavern
9/24 – Toronto, ON; The Drake
9/26 – Montreal, QC; Divan Orange
9/28 – Boston, MA; Great Scott
9/29 – Philadelphia, PA; Johnny Brendas
9/30 – Washington, DC; DC9
10/1 – Brooklyn, NY; Baby’s All Right
10/3 – Richmond, VA; Stranger Matter
10/4 – Asheville, NC; The Mothlight
10/5 – Atlanta, GA; Drunken Unicorn
10/6 – Nashville, TN; Hi-Watt
10/7 – Houston, TX; Rudyards
10/8 – Austin, TX; The Mohawk
10/10 – Phoenix, AZ; Pub Rock
10/13 – San Diego, CA; Casbah
10/14 – Los Angeles, CA; El Rey Theatre

Tropics – Rapture

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Chris Ward of Tropics knows how to use a repetitive snare. The London artist’s new single “Rapture” will capture your ears through a reverberated piano, accompanied by double-layered vocals. Innovative Leisure label strikes lyrical gold again with this talented multi-instrumentalist, who will be releasing his sophomore effort February 16. “Rapture,” the title track off the forthcoming album, is a seductive song about the struggles of experiencing a deep connection in an urban city. Stream below.

BADBADNOTGOOD – Can’t Leave The Night

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If you’re into contemporary jazz, you should be familiar with BADBADNOTGOOD. For the uninitiated, BBNG (the title is a misnomer) are a Toronto trio that make inspired instrumental music, fused with jazz and electronic elements. Made up of Chester Hansen (bass), Alexander Sowinski (percussion and samples), and Matthew Tavares (keyboard), all of the members are classically trained musicians who met in college and bonded over a mutual love of hip hop, as reflected in their music. In their relatively short career they’ve collaborated or enjoyed the support of numerous renowned artists, including James Blake, Frank Ocean, Bonobo, and Tyler, The Creator.

For a sampling of their work, stream the percussive “Can’t Leave The Night,” off their third studio album III, released May 2014 via Innovative Leisure (Classixx, Rhye). Also check out their fantastically dark and dramatic reinterpretation of Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights” below.

DC locals will have the chance to see BBNG work their jazz alchemy at U Street Music Hall this Friday, December 5. Tickets are still available, so get on it.

De Lux – I’ve Got To Make A Statement (No More Likes or Ums)

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Sean Guerin and Isaac Franco are multi-instrumentalists and founders of De Lux, a post-disco, dance-punk band based out of L.A. Behind the duo is the independent label Innovative Leisure (home to Classixx, Hanni El Khatib), who released their full-length album Voyage this April. De Lux’s sound is reminiscent of Talking Heads, with additions of tropical disco. Get your groove on to their track “I’ve Got To Make A Statement (No More Likes or Ums)” below.