On Tap takes a look at four local and touring bands each month. If you are interested in being featured, please send your CD along with contact information, including your website and a list of upcoming shows to On Tap Magazine. Attention Four Play: 25 Dove St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
HoneyHoney
Web: www.honeyhoneyband.com
ALBUM: Billy Jack
Show: Friday, Oct. 14th at Jammin’ Java
L.A.-based duo HoneyHoney was “discovered” by actor Kiefer Sutherland a few years back and signed to his small record label. The talented duo has now flown the coop, signing on with Lost Highway, a bigger label with a roster chock full of alt-country talent. HoneyHoney’s new record “Billy Jack,” demonstrates that they are, indeed, ready for the big-time. Breezy and confident, Honeyhoney makes beguiling folky, country-ish rock that defies easy categorization. The first single, a jaunty track called “Little Toy Gun,” showcases singer Suzanne Santo’s seductive yet playful voice, while Ben Jaffe’s eclectic instrumentation propels the track. His guitar licks are economical and tasteful, with an occasional whiff of surf rock guitar. “Oh Mama” is a gorgeous ballad set to a piano that conjures memories of Fiona Apple. “Not For Long” swerves further into the country lane, employing a manic fiddle, but the song still has an indie-rock feel. HoneyhHoney is a fresh, original band that will no doubt see its stars continue to rise on the strength of “Billy Jack.”-MC
Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
Vegas with Randolph
Web: www.myspace.com/vegaswithrandolph
ALBUM: Above the Blue
Show: Monday, Oct. 10th at Jammin’ Java
The title track of Fairfax-based power pop band Vegas With Randolph’s new CD serves immediate notice that this is a band with well-honed musical chops. Tight melodies, chiming guitars, precision drumming and appealing vocals are all evident as Vegas With Randolph comes galloping out of the gate. The second track “Some Time to Live” is another strong tune about trying to maintain a relationship in the face of the soul-crushing burdens of daily life. The bouncy, fun “Supergirl” sounds a lot like Fountains of Wayne. “Lessergirl” is one of the few tunes on this album that employs an appealing, slower tempo. It also benefits greatly from female harmonies added to the mix. Vegas With Randolph obviously has talent, but sometimes their lyrical content can be a bit lacking. It’s not that the lyrics are bad; they just don’t have a whole lot to say. But even that isn’t a deal-killer. Sometimes rock is just about mindless fun. Overall, this is a well-produced, enjoyable disc by a talented addition to the local music scene.-MC
Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
Sarah Siskind
Web: www.sarahsiskind.com
ALBUM: Novel
Show: Monday, Oct. 10th at Jammin’ Java
Sarah Siskind has toured with indie darling Bon Iver and written songs for country stars Alison Krauss and Randy Travis, but her career in Nashville has been mostly under the radar so far. Or maybe it’s just been building to something slowly, like many of the emotionally-charged songs on her winding, beautiful new album, “Novel.” On the soulfully wistful “Crying On A Plane,” Siskind’s powerful voice reaches a climax while conjuring up Paul Simon’s nostalgic lyricism. On “Yellow and Blue,” she ponders the exhilaration of new experiences with a melody that recalls the best of Joni Mitchell while a chugging rhythm drives the song along. Siskind is a renaissance woman, playing all of the instruments on “Novel,” which she also recorded herself. She also maintains blogs about food and beer on her website, and makes jewelry that she sells on etsy.com. For fans of subtle, intense singer-songwriters, Siskind’s new release is not to be missed.-JK
Jammin’ Java: 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
Dance for the Dying
Web: www.danceforthedying.com
ALBUM: EP 2011
Show: Monday, Oct. 10th at DC9
“If Blondie and The Cure were to go roller skating on laser light night and then go write songs about it,” it might come out something like Dance for the Dying, according to M.C. Wolfe, lead singer for the DC-based synth pop band. And she’s right. The band’s music has echoes of 80s and 90s goth, post-punk and New Wave, with Wolfe’s vocals bringing to mind Debbie Harry and occasionally Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees. But don’t let the band’s dour, morbid side (“Death in the Garden” is about a decomposing rat) fool you; these songs will get you moving. All five tracks of the band’s newest EP are eminently danceable. A standout is the first track, “Echo,” Wolfe’s retelling of the Greek myth involving the nymph and Narcissus. English class never sounded this good, with hand claps, synth, and slinky bass setting up a rocking chorus that’s made for dancing. And if you want to play along, you can download the track for the Rock Band video game; now that’s cool.-JK
DC9: 1940 9th St. NW, DC; 202-483-5000; www.dcnine.com
OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE
