Grubspoon

While the band name may sound a little icky, there’s nothing grubby or spoon-like about these guys. They’re a little electronic, a little alt-rock and a lot indie. This Washington quartet flirts between the wide musical spectrum of ballads and screaming tunes in their latest album, "Happy Accidents." Grubspoon was founded in 2002 by vocalist Andy Swick and guitarist Matt Raschka. Bassist Dave “Turbo” Gertz and drummer Jeff Stitely were added to form the band’s current line-up, which has received airplay on DC101, Annapolis’s WRNR, Baltimore’s WHFS and Radio Wazee. Hey—they’re busy guys. Notable songs from their LP include “Monster” and “Humility,” which noticeably show the band’s cited influences of Fugazi, Jawbox and The Clash.

Grubspoon
www.grubspoon.com
Album: Happy Accidents
Label: Independent
Next local show: Sat., Oct. 8 @ DC 9
1940 9th Street NW
Washington, DC
202.483.5000
www.dcnine.com


Barbez
photos by Merry Cyr

Get ready to give them your full attention: Barbez is something different. It’s not just theramin player Bob Moog, although he’s been called the greatest living theramin player in the world. And it’s not just Ksenia Vidyaykina’s haunting and unique vocals that send chills up your spine. Barbez uses jazz, classical music, rock and Slavic influences to produce a punk-cabaret album unlike anything else out there. Check out “Song of the Moldau,” “Strange” and “Pain” from their latest album, "Insignificance." This is not your ordinary Brooklyn-based band.

Barbez
www.barbez.com
Album: Insignificance
Label: Important Records
Next local show: Sun., Oct. 9 @ DC 9
1940 9th Street NW
Washington, DC
202.483.5000
www.dcnine.com


Metric

It’s an international measurement system and an infectiously poppy indie rock band. Who knew? Metric showed the world what they were made of with their 2001 debut, "Static Anonymity," and 2003 LP, "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?" They’re set to prove they really, well, measure up with their Oct. 4 release, Live it Out. Named one of the 100 Bands You Need to Know by "Alternative Press," Metric spews out ‘80s-style, sing-a-long hits like an indie rock vending machine that can’t be turned off. Got some loose change? You might want to invest in their latest album. Really.

Metric
www.ilovemetric.com
Album: Live it Out
Label: Last Gang Records
Next Local Show: Sat., Oct. 8
9:30 Club
815 V Street NW
Washington, DC
202.393.0930
www.930.com


The Detroit Cobras

While Detroit produced a band like the White Stripes, the motor-centric city isn’t exactly known for its thriving music scene. At least it managed to spawn a band like this. According to their official bio, The Detroit Cobras “whip out ass-shaking anthems to good times, wild times, and the high and lows of L-U-V-E.” That’s a pretty good sum-up. The quintet toes the fragile line between garage rock, punk and rock and seems to have a pretty good time doing it. And their January release, "Baby," is no exception. A busy fall touring schedule drops this band off in the nation’s capital this month: Don’t forget to slither on down to the show.

The Detroit Cobras
www.thedetroitcobras.com
Album: Baby
Label: Bloodshot Records
Next Local Show: Mon., Oct. 17 @ Iota Club & Café
2832 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
703.522.8340
www.iotaclubandcafe.com