Though it’s an open question as to whether D.C.’s rock scene has sacrificed quality for quantity, there is no denying a time when there were not that many places for a rock band to play in this city. “During college, the music scene was a bit struggling, especially in the Georgetown area,” says The Bravery‘s guitarist and Georgetown University alum Michael Zakarin, “but I was at the Black Cat or the 9:30 every weekend. It’s a great feeling to come back and play the places I used to go.” Zakarin’s compatriots also have D.C. area roots as singer Sam Endicott went to Georgetown Day and bassist Mike H. is from Falls Church. The band is currently on tour in support of their recently released second album, The Sun and The Moon. Last night, the prodigal sons returned to a sold-out 9:30 for a tight and energetic set of new wave inspired rock before their very appreciative hometown fans.

The Bravery is often compared to The Killers in that both bands are flag-bearers of the recent New Wave revival. The comparisons continue as The Killers’ second recording, Sam’s Town, saw the band attempting to break away from their dance-rock sound by recording Joshua Tree-esque paens to Americana that are full of pomp with little punch. Similarly, The Bravery, at this early point in their career, lack the authenticity needed to pull off the role of “serious musicians.” The band’s attempt at earnestness falls a bit short and it was even more obvious in the live setting, but the more contemplative songs from their second album were the only weak points of an otherwise excellent performance.

Photo from The Bravery’s MySpace page