Three Stars is back! This month we’ll take a look at Timothy Bracken Complex, The Whips, and kick things off with Rome In A Day.

This past Saturday, DCist trekked out to end of the Orange line to catch two bands from Northern Virginia that have been causing quite stir with their infectious, radio friendly pop rock anthems, and a third previously unannounced group that was added to the line-up last minute. While Welbilt and My Favorite Highway may have already planted their roots in the local music scene, Rome In A Day is just as determined to mark their own territory with the driving force of raw alternative-rock and a powerful set of lungs belonging to front man and DC native, James Stevens.

At their postponed CD release party, the band performed several songs off of their debut EP, Thin Air to a packed Jammin’ Java crowd. Upon first listen one might compare James’ soulfully edgy vocals to artists such as Gavin DeGraw or Butch Walker, highlighted in tracks like “Barcelona” or “Ms. Contradiction.” The full band arrangement, while still in the beginning stages with the possible addition of another guitarist, is but the next progressive step in the evolution of their sound. James’ music can be traced back to his days as part of an Ivy Leage a cappella group and more recently sharing his acoustic abilities as a guest performer in Potbelly’s loft. We tossed out a few questions for James about the origins of Rome In A Day, his artistic endeavors, and his opinon on DC’s local music, but be sure to catch them soon at a concert venue, bar or sandwich shop near you. Pick up their new album; give ‘em a listen and help as they work create their own musical empire.