THE PHENOMENAL HAND CLAP BAND | The Phenomenal Hand Clap Band
www.myspace.com/phenomenalhandclap
Eight is never a crowd when it comes to the Phenomenal Hand Clap Band. This super group comprised of indie rockers and under ground soul seekers forms a musical out come that can only be heard to truly understand. With psychedelic guitars, waves of synthesizers and harmonious melodies you’ll never really know what will pop up next.
Next Show: October 4 at the 9:30 Club with Bajofondo.
9:30 Club: 815 V St., NW, DC; 202-265-0930; www.930club.com
THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE | Home Towns
http://www.theraa.com" / www.theraa.com
The Rural Alberta Advantage is a Canadian indie rock band primarily based out of Toronto. Struggling over homesickness, the bands main singer Nils Edenloff wrote many of the CD’s songs about his small home town, Alberta, depicting the lush greenery and familiar landmarks.
Next Show: October 4 at the Rock and Roll Hotel.
Rock and Roll Hotel: 1353 H St., NE, DC; 202-388-ROCK; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com/portal/calendar/
GIRLYMAN | everything’s easy
www.girlyman.com
Every song is truly unique and different from the next on this blend of musical genres. The band, based on a having fun and not taking life too seriously, has an extremely strong connection both humorous and sincere which is exactly how you could describe their music. Blending a mixture of folk, pop, jazz, country and rock you truly can’t go wrong with this dynamic trio.
Next Show: October 11 at the Birchmere.
Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-7500; www.birchmere.com
JUSTIN TRAWICK | Starting Over
www.justintrawick.com
Justin Trawick is Washington DC’s Jack Johnson/Jason Mraz love child. Acoustically soothing and melodically divine, his music will instantly be loved. Winner of the 2006 Emerging Artist Contest at the Takoma Park Folk Festival, Trawick has played all over the Washington DC area picking up immediate fans wherever he goes. With different musical collaboration and spontaneity, Trawick claims that each live performance he does is completely different from the next, giving fans and listeners the opportunity to see a new and different performance every time.
Next Show: October 13 at Iota Club and Café.
Iota Club and Café: 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-522-8430; www.iotaclubandcafe.com
HEADLIGHTS | Wildlife
www.myspace.com/headlights
Despite some internal band mate drama this record has truly come into its own. Relying heavily on the group’s song writing abilities, this CD is extremely personal for its members depicting songs about death, friendship and life. With mellowed elegance, harmonized vocals and soft instrumentals, you could almost call this album an adult lullaby sung about life’s tribulations.
Next Show: October 25 at DC9.
DC9: 1940 9th st., NW, DC; 202-483-5000; www.dcnine.com
PUNCH DRUNK POETS | Another State of Mind THE MOORE BROTHERS | Aptos
www.myspace.com/punchdrunkpoets
These DC locals really know how to rock out in a psychedelic kind of way. Imagine the musical rearing of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix rolled into one beautiful musical group. Pulling innovative beats from different genres and eras of music these guys really have a fresh new take to their music that will leave you wanting more. Make sure to listen carefully to their lyrics because their witty and humorous songs will have you laughing and rocking to the beat all at the same time.
Next Show: October 14 at Asylum.
Asylum: 2471 18th Street, N.W., D.C.; 202-319-9358; www.asylumdc.com
www.themoorebros.com
The Moore brothers are a dynamic duo straight out of Oakland CA. When first listening to their new CD, Aptos, you might think that they sound a lot like a modern version of the Beatles with their harmonic vocals and rich acoustic guitar work. However, dive a little deeper, and their quirky, funny and somewhat weird lyrics set them apart from the mainstream. Often accompanied by a harp, this mostly acoustic band is an easy listening perfect for after that long day of work.
Next Show: October 27 at The Red and The Black.
The Red and The Black: 1212 H St., NE, DC; 202-399-3201; www.redandblackbar.com
STS9 | PeaceBlaster
sts9.com/peaceblaster
Evolving into their own, Sound Tribe Sector 9 has come up with an album that truly show cases how far this band has come. Originating almost a decade ago, STS9 is famously known for upbeat and high energy live performances. Popular amongst electronic and trance lovers, this group has an ever increasing fan base that just keeps growing and growing. But the group has another side to them with an underlying passion for the world and its people. Despite having few words in their songs STS9 uses synthesizes and loud guitar riffs to portray their anger and frustration with the world and society today. But what the band doesn’t get across in their songs, they make up for on their website, blogging about causes that deem important to them. So head on out to see ST9S for both a performance and a movement that surely won’t disappoint.
Next Show: October 25 at Rams Head Live.
Rams Head Live: 20 Market Place, Baltimore; MD; 410-244-8856; www.ramsheadlive.com
BLACK HEART PROCESSION | Six
www.myspace.com/theblackheartprocession
As one of the West Coasts darkest underground bands, the Black Heart Procession have a cult following that could almost be described as religious. Playing dark music about self destruction and heart break, listeners really feel personal connections to the bleak and soulless ballads. Gearing up for Halloween the band will be performing on October 29th performing their hauntingly dark music, perfect to get even the "too cool for a costume" guy into the holiday spirit.
Next Show: October 29 at The Black Cat.
The Black Cat: 1811 14th St., NW; DC; 202-667-4490; www.blackcatdc.com