By Marcus Dowling, Monica Boland and Lea Holland
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 at least two music tracks to jon.kaplan@ontaponline.com.
…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
Web: www.andyouwillknowusbythetrailofdead.bandpage.com
Album: Lost Songs
Show: Thursday, November 15th @ Rock and Roll Hotel
Best described as earnest, honest and politicized music with a groove, Austin, Texas’ …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead‘s eighth album, Lost Songs, is a journey into the hearts and minds of what the band feels is an apathetic global society. This is intentionally dense material, music not meant for the faint of heart or those ultimately unsure of their commitment to civil rights or justice and fairness in humankind. Lead singer Conrad Keely sings songs like a griot holding a sledgehammer. Lyrics for lead track “Up to Infinity” like “A mother screams, a child answers / Her flesh is ripped apart and dashed upon the flagstones/ A father cries, a soldier dances / Streets of fire, raped bodies piled among the ashes” feel like the sonic equivalent of a crude prehistoric pulverizing tool. The call to action isn’t from the song being played incredibly well; it’s from the song being played either with passion or not at all. Continuing a storied history of being a cohesive musical force for increased social awareness, blistering guitars and intense grooves dominate this band’s aural intentions. -MD
Rock and Roll Hotel:1353 H St. NE, DC; 202-388-7625; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
Kaki King
Web: www.kakiking.com
Album: Glow
Show: Friday, November 16 @ Howard Theatre
Kaki King is on tour promoting her self-described “guitar record” Glow. The powerful 2012 album is full of rare instrumentation and intense percussion all fueled by the guitar virtuoso’s impressionist techniques. The entirely instrumental album is a refreshing reminder that vocals are not always a necessity, especially with songs full of such pure yet colorful sounds. The Celtic-inspired “King Pizel,” folksy “Fences” (vaguely reminiscent of the rich tapestry of chord progression found in Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine”) and the crystal clear strings of Glow’s opening song “Great Round Burn” are all perfect examples of King’s ability to create a cohesive yet delightfully surprising set of songs. King has performed with Foo Fighters, Timbaland and The Mountain Goats and worked with Eddie Vedder and Sean Penn on Into the Wild. The Brooklyn-based musician will play DC with indie folk darling Lady Lamb the Beekeeper. If King can recreate half the intensity and rare beauty found on Glow during her live performance, this isn’t a show that anyone who truly appreciates the art of music will want to miss. -MB
Howard Theatre: 620 T St. NW, DC; 202-803-2899; www.thehowardtheatre.com
Low Cut Connie
Web: www.lowcutconnie.com
Album: Call Me Sylvia
Show: Saturday, November 17 @ The Dunes
Gritty rock ‘n’ rollers Low Cut Connie are 50s meets garage rock with a little British Invasion thrown in for good measure. This feel-good party/bar band doesn’t put on airs – the trio is far more interested in having a good time than in trying to create a sense of nostalgia. The band’s sophomore album, Call Me Sylvia, is raw, sexy, and could easily be the soundtrack to a Quentin Tarantino film. Standout track “Cleveland” channels Jim Morrison on vocals with Link Wray/surf-inspired guitar licks; 50s rock fuses with rhythm and blues on the infectiously raucous “Pity Party”; and the bare-bones “Dreams Don’t Come True” feels like a Johnny Cash country ballad until the line, “What do they know about what the fuck we need?” – bringing the listener back to the more blunt music of the present day. New Jersey-based pianist Adam Weiner (compared to Jerry Lee Lewis when he hits the keys) and Birmingham, England’s Dan Finnemore are the two singer-songwriters that started the band before bringing on guitarist Neil Duncan and bass player Russell Saliba. Get ready for an old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll party with a modern twist. -MB
The Dunes: 1402 Meridian Place NW, DC; www.thedunesdc.com
Stomp Status
Web: www.stompstatus.com
Album: 5440
Show: Friday, November 23 @ Jammin’ Java
NOVA’s Stomp Status is eager to get you groovin’ at their CD release show at Jammin’ Java . 5440 marks the band’s second release. Listeners can expect twelve fresh tracks including hit titles “Hard to Get” and “See You Soon” which are already dance worthy, fan favorites. Their Funk/Soul fusion is sure to grasp your mind but consider it a blessing in disguise when you have it on continuous play. With Justin Piteleski on Guitar and lead vocals, TJ Turqman on bass, Graham Doby on drums, and the captivating Gena Photiadis on keys/vocals, prepare to be amazed. The four George Mason alumni started this band after a jam session, and are sharing more of their funk, soul, jazz and blues with this second album. Get your hands on a copy at the show. -LH
Jammin’ Java: 227 E. Maple Ave. Vienna, VA; 703-255-1566; www.jamminjava.com
