This week Three Stars returns to feature three interesting local acts. On Wednesday, we try something new and review the album Proof, by Laura Tsaggaris. On Thursday, DCist looks into the work of Meredith Bragg and the Terminals. Today we discuss the band Alcian Blue.

Alcian Blue
Alcian Blue is the kind of band you know right away. You know them when you see their name. You know them when you visit their website, and the first scratchy sounds of “You Just Disappear” make their way through your overmatched laptop speakers. You know them when you step through the Warehouse door to the sounds of an opening act from Tokyo. And when the room’s rear projector flashes inscrutable video on a wrinkled sheet behind the band, you know you know Alcian Blue. You know, because you’ve heard it before, though maybe not quite like this.

From the Ian Curtis vocals, wandering, but subdued, to the Cure-like melodies, to the shoegazing, spiritualized wall of guitar and synth, the constituent parts of the music were familiar. And though the presentation of the band, inscrutable background video notwithstanding, was a bit spartan and, perhaps, wanting, the overall effect was compelling.