On Tap takes a look at four local and touring bands each month. If you are interested in being featured, please send your contact information, including your website, a list of upcoming shows, and two music tracks to jon.kaplan@ontaponline.com.
AU, Both Lights
Web: www.au-au-au.com
Album: Both Lights
Show: Sunday, August 5 @ Black Cat
AU’s latest release, Both Lights, is meant to be listened to as an album, rather than individual songs, something that’s rare these days, and getting rarer. The brainchild of Portland-based musician Luke Wyland, and drummer Dana Valatka, AU’s compositions (“songs” seems inadequate here) are a frenetic, varied mix of classical virtuosity, indie rock melodies and odd, jumpy rhythms. That’s not to say they’re not catchy or listenable. They’re just—to use the title of Both Lights’ first track—epic. That track starts with breakbeat drums, adds in staccato guitars, and builds to a soaring crescendo. And that’s before Wyland has even opened his mouth. The singing starts on track two, “Get Alive,” and the album continues with a mix of instrumentals and vocal songs. Fans of Jeremy Enigk, Built to Spill, and others would do well to check out this release and the August show at Black Cat.
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com
Zach Deputy, Another Day
Web: www.zachdeputy.com
Album: Another Day
Show: Thursday, August 9 @ The Bayou
Sometimes a band or artist playing live sounds nothing like they do on their record. In Zach Deputy’s case, at least with his latest release, Another Day, that’s on purpose. Deputy is well known on the jamband and festival circuit for his amazing skill at “live looping,” which means that he plays guitar, drum and bass parts and is able to control them with the help of pedals and buttons. So when he plays live, he has a setup that makes him look like an outsize Dr. Octopus up on stage, and he sounds like a band of six people. For Another Day, though, Deputy wanted to focus on his songs, and he does indeed. Using a band of real people, not loops, Deputy’s signature “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” sound comes out as a mellow mix of funk and soul tunes. This is summer soundtrack music, and Deputy does it well.
The Bayou on Penn: 2519 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; 202-223-6941; www.bayouonpenn.com
Elike, Between 2 Worlds
Web: www.elikeh.net
Album: Between 2 Worlds
Show: Fri, August 24 @ Black Cat
Elikeh cranks up the Afropop rhythm power—as well as the star power—on their latest release, Between 2 Worlds. Togolese bandleader and songwriter Massama Dogo takes his eight piece group on a trip around the African groove map, and picks up some new players along the way. “Alonye” features Malian guitar superstar Vieux Farka Toure, and “Nye’n mind na wo” features the vocals and guitar work of jamband mainstay John Kadlecik, who currently fills Jerry Garcia’s spot as the leader of Furthur, the Grateful Dead’s latest incarnation. Dogo describes Elikeh’s sound as a mix of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Togolese traditional music, and a sprinkling of rock, and he knows what he’s talking about. If any of those are your thing, Elikeh will hit a sweet spot, and maybe introduce you to some new African sounds. Their show at the Black Cat is the official DC-area release for this new, enthralling CD.
Black Cat: 1811 14th St. NW, DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com
Wheelie
Web: www.wheeliemusic.com
Album: Three Singles
Show: September 1 & 2 @ Gallery O on H
“Wheelie is fun. Wheelie loves you!” So goes the mantra of DC’s newest band, Wheelie, and they want you along for the ride. Wheelie is the creation of Michael Moon and Eduardo Santana, and also features bass player Jason Arctica and dancers Leah Moon and Heather Doyle. Michael Moon says their mission is to “create something for all five senses . . . and to create something that DC has never before seen or heard.” To that end, they have spent the summer releasing three new singles online, one each month. They will make their live debut Labor Day weekend with a show called RockIt Launch, featuring videos, dancers, costumes and even smells. Moon calls it part performance art and part concert. But none if it would matter if the tunes weren’t interesting, fun, and catchy, which they are. The singles, produced by Train keyboardist Jerry Becker, swirl pop vocals with dance beats and a wild, rock & roll spirit. Chances are you’ll love Wheelie right back.
Gallery O on H: 1354 H St. NE, DC; 202-543-6600; www.galleryoonh.com
