It's hard being a band from the District in a post-Fugazi world, but the trio from Imperial China manage to take two steps forward on their full-length debut, How We Connect, while still making the occasional nod to the band that helped influence their blistering post-punk sound. more ›

Hear "Limbs," a new song off the post-punk trio Imperial China's upcoming album. more ›

Within the first 30 seconds of Imperial China's debut LP, Phosphenes, it's clear what sounds are going to dominate the record: dance-ready samples, squealing dissonant guitars and percussion. Their use of these elements make good on the promise of their first release, the Methods EP: that the trio can effectively combine the elements that defined Dischord's most prominent bands without sounding like they're stuck in a time warp. more ›

Imperial China have created a sound that at once echoes this city’s musical history yet stands apart from anything else this city has offered previously or offers presently. Musically, the guitar riffs and speak-sing vocal delivery show a definite homage to bands like Minor Threat and Fugazi. The lyrics on songs like their EP’s opener “There Is No Translation” could as easily be a critique of the city as a fight with a friend. However, the overwhelming vibe on their EP runs closer to bands like Battles or Don Caballero with their rhythm-driven, heavily percussive sound. It’s at once experimental yet pattern-driven and it’s refreshing even as it blisters in your eardrums. Their live show is also ridiculously loud and energetic. As the trio of Brian Porter, Patrick Gough and Matt Johnson thrash about the stage, it’s hard not to pay attention and even harder not to start beating time with both feet (which in some cities is known as dancing.) We sat down with Porter and Johnson to discuss recording with Devin Ocampo, BYOB venues in North Carolina and why it’s refreshing to see their favorite bands mess up. more ›