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We're hoping that the eyes reading the site today are as bleary as all of ours are after a spectacular Wednesday night at DC9. We couldn't have asked for anything more from last night's superb, sweaty, sold out show. The crowd was spotted with familiar faces from local bands past and present, readers, music fans and even original DCist staffers who flew all the way across the country just for Unbuckled! (OK, Becca, we know you're here for a wedding, but regardless, it was great to see you.)
Photos by Kyle Gustafson
The music started with an a cappella chorus of "Sweet Adeline" from The XYZ Affair, clad in varying formalities of black & white. It was a perfect introduction to the band, because it showcased their immensely impressive vocal talents. After drawing us in, they launched into their set, balancing the aforementioned sweet harmonies with blazing instrumentals. Without throwing too many adjectives at you, let us just say that this band impressed the hell out of us all. A phalanx of baby faces (well, aside from the chop-sporting drummer pulling up the rear) betrayed their ability to really crank it up and fill DC9 with some excellent rock. Their cover of "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" had us singing and smiling and seriously considering listening to more light rock radio. We here at DCist say: more Sophie B. Hawkins covers please, bands of the world. All warm smiles and happy feet, nobody watching The XYZ Affair could do anything but have a great time. It was a perfect way to start Unbuckled 6.
The gents of MDR spiced up our lives from the DJ booth, we took a break to award some door prizes (courtesy of not only Le Loup and The XYZ Affair, but also Unbuckled alums Georgie James, Deleted Scenes and The Vita Ruins), and then it was back into the fray. As we've mentioned before, Le Loup is an incredibly young band, which makes their success and talent so far all the more impressive. Alex from The XYZ Affair joked that they'd been a band one year for each gig Le Loup has played. Their success is certainly a bit daunting, but when all seven members squeezed on DC9's tiny stage and filled the room with joyous noise, it was clear why they've gotten so far so fast. Kudos to DC9's sound guru Aaron, who delivered a big band's big sound to a big crowd beautifully. We've described Le Loup at length before, but their multi-instrumental, multi-vocal, swelling wall of sound has yet to lose its luster. It's unfair that such an attractive bunch of people were also given such heaping loads of musical talent, but at least we all get to soak it in.
Thanks again to everyone who came out last night. It's really gratifying to meet and greet with the people on the end of the comment threads, especially when it's in the name of supporting local music. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did. Now it's time to buckle back up and refill that coffee cup.
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I'm disappointed you didn't include any photos of the drummer. The faces he made were fantastic.
I agree, drummer for xyz almost stole the show, but impossible with the 3 frontmen. Their first song and cover were my favorite.
Le Loup pics are amazing. completely capture the atmosphere. I had no idea where the french horn was coming from during the first few songs until she emerged from the side.
awesome show.
Le Poop, more like it. Just kidding; luv em. But do they really need three guitarists?
how else are you supposed to play 3 guitar parts?
xyz affair melts faces.
3 guitar parts? the girl in the front never played a note.
XYZ was absolutley amazing. One of the most talented groups I have seen in DC in a long time.
Sorry Le Loup, they stole the show.
I completely agree, I hadn't heard of XYZ Affair before seeing their set on Wednesday, and they were the best part about that show! What a set of pipes those boys have!
The girl, whose name is May, most definitely played a note, and lot more for good measure. And I'm thinking that it was because of all those guitars, along with every one else in the band, that the show was as fun as it was.
Next local Le Loup show is August 10 at Rock and Roll Hotel. They are playing with Bellman Barker, Jette Kelly (debuting her new 8-piece orchestra) and Lejeune. Rumor is that it's free before 9.