These boys from Baltimore are no bandwagon band. They’ve been around since 2001 and have established themselves as local post punk revivalists from the very beginning. As commercially successful Brit pop sensations like Franz Ferdinand began popping up across the Atlantic, Two If By Sea was making a name for themselves here at home. But home is more than just Baltimore, and they’ve set up a virtual DC residency, frequenting venues such as DC9 and the Blackcat.

This past October they released their sophomore album, Safety, a follow-up to 2004’s Translations, encompassing the energy of their live shows with moody dance tracks and the subdued intensity in Cris Cowan’s vocals. Last week we stopped by DC9 as they headlined a show on the final night of the Six Points Music Festival. It was a bit of a thin crowd, perhaps hesitant to enter due to the ominous police tape that surrounded the street corner. But those in attendance sprung up and looked eagerly to the stage as the band took their turn. Together they play like clockwork, Cole’s tight drumming, Jorde’s thumping bass and Hardy’s raging guitar with hair whipping over gritted teeth.

They have a professional sound worthy of much more, whether it be in or outside the beltway or beyond. They may not be District natives, but DCist welcomes them as one of our own.