A sentiment, as defined by Houghton Mifflin is “a thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion instead of reason.” The title is quite apt for the local DC rock outfit of the same name. The band is the brainchild of frontman Mike Medlock, and is as much his cathartic medium as his weekend playpen. Medlock is a passionate frontman, but doesn’t take himself too seriously, and wears his heart on his sleeve. The Sentiment were and sometimes still are a hard rock band, drawing from the dirt of early 90’s grunge but blending it with more contemporary indie rock melodies, sans the snooty avant garde self-righteousness of the Pitchfork generation. At times Medlock belts his lyrics in scream talking, soaring over driving guitars and a thumping rhythm section; other times he’ll linger in a softer chest voice delicately supported by ambient arpegiated chords.

The band has been a revolving door of sorts, reflecting the transient nature of life in Washington. The Sentiment began in the Summer of 2004 when Medlock posted an add on Craig’s List looking to start a new band, eventually piecing together a lineup which played their first gig that November. Through numerous lineup changes — most recently being the loss of guitarist Travis Frazier and drummer Sean Connor — the band is currently a four-piece. Comprised of guitarist Andrew Diego, bassit Katie Thomas and new drummer John Mattingly, they’re regulars on the local music circuit, playing on average once a month.

Photo by Eamonn Aiken (www.eamonnaiken.com)