No Second Troy
Live at the 9:30 Club
www.nosecondtroy.com
Hometown guys make good. One of the area’s top pop/rock acts headlined one of the best music venues on the East Coast on Aug. 22, 2008, and the result is an excellent addition to the No Second Troy catalogue. For the unfamiliar, "Live at the 9:30 Club," is a fine primer on NST. For long time fans, it’s a pleasure.
Copper Sails
Hiding Place
www.coppersails.com
Self-described Brit-infused American indie rock from Copper Sails. This Richmond act has a Snow Patrol sound, and they do it well with soaring, U2-tinged guitars, steady drums and a sprinkling of keys. Check out "Hiding Place" and "Reckless Motorist." Hear these tracks and others from "Hiding Place" at Fat Tuesdays in Fairfax on April 10.
Umphrey’s McGee
Mantis
www.umphreys.com
Ambitious and hard to classify music from Chicago’s Umphrey’s McGee. Eclectic, jam band, prog-rock. Whatever, the work on "Mantis" is really good, and soars and dips, and is emotionally stimulating. Lies somewhere between Pink Floyd and Phish. The title track and "Spires" are must listens. Hear for yourself on April 4 at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore.
Lloyd Dobler Effect
Lloyd Dobler Effect
www.lloyddoblereffect.com
When a band plays 200 dates a year, it shows up in the recording – it’s generally tight, sharp and effortlessly crafted. Thus is the self-titled debut studio album from Silver Spring’s Lloyd Dobler Effect. Upbeat, rocking tracks dominate. Gets the blood flowing. "Have Faith" and "Release Me" are highlights.
Andy Hawk & the Train Wreck Endings
Tin Can Town
www.andyhawk.com
Contemplative bluegrass/country/blues offering from Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings. Songs of love, drinking and life, complete with agonized vocals. Hawk has a number of solo albums under his belt, but with "Tin Can Town," he brings along a tight crew. Give opener "Think Too Much" and "Pitchy & Time – Erratic Blues" a listen and decide for yourself.
Telepathe
Dance Mother
www.telepathemusic.com
There’s a war to be waged between conventional musical styles and non-traditional sonic creations, and it’s clear where Telepathe stands. "Dance Mother" is layered and challenging without being overbearing and pretentious. A mesmerizing piece of experimental work. Hear for yourself April 14 at the 9:30 Club, also the date the album becomes available for sale.
Impossible Hair
What is the Secret of Impossible Hair?
www.impossiblehair.com
Area quartet (Baltimore and D.C.) Impossible Hair hits all the right marks in their debut CD. You’ll find comparisons to Guided by Voices, and the songs are lyrically fascinating. Listen to "Accidental Claustrophobes" and "X-Ray Man." Then catch the band live on April 2 at the Black Cat in D.C. and on April 4 at G-Spot in Baltimore before they head off on a European tour.
Death by Sexy
Curse the Curse
www.deathbysexy.net
Album starts with handclaps, transitions into driving guitar and demonstrates that locals Death by Sexy means business on "Curse the Curse." High-energy, danceable rock with punk influences. Album overall is very good and doesn’t let up. Listen to "I Ain’t Gonna Chase You Down," "Sweet," and "Bury Us."
Wes Tucker & the Skillets
The Scorpion and the Dove
www.westucker.com
Folk rock out of Arlington, Wes Tucker & the Skillets have a well-crafted third full-length in "The Scorpion and the Dove," with songs ranging from simple beauty to upbeat works dealing with life lessons and philosophical tangents. The tight band rounds up a worth-while musical experience. Pick up a disc at their CD release show on April 17 at IOTA.