Since the name Foul Swoops started appearing on bills with local bands we know and like, such as Hume, S PRCSS and The Coathangers, we’d been anxiously awaiting a chance to check them out for ourselves. Upon finally catching their most recent gig, it’s clear that they have their priorities straight: songwriting. Foul Swoops’s songs layer simple but effective pop melodies in front of plenty of guitar fuzz. When combined with male and female vocal interplay, it’s easy to tell that this group has spent time with some old Comet Gain records.

Brothers Sean and Devin Connell don’t hesitate to switch between drums and guitar, depending on the song. They’re clearly a talented group who care about the basics of quick, clean pop/rock creations in a way that draws from bands like The Clean and sound equally timeless. Even this early in their music career, they seem to have the right idea.

DCist sat down with the (now) trio from Arlington on drummer/guitarist Devin Connell’s 21st birthday. We talked to the brothers and bassist Emilio Chavarria about their favorite Pavement releases, getting lost on the University of Maryland’s campus, Arlington gentrification and why they like cassette tapes.

Find them online: myspace.com/foulswoops

See them next: Tonight at the Velvet Lounge