By DCist contributor Valerie Paschall
By the way, Virgin Fest starts tomorrow. Just to clarify, in case you missed the all the advertisements and press about the lineup full of buzz-worthy artists and a few artists that probably would’ve been a lot more fun to see in a previous decade. You guys got all that, right?
It’s safe to say, Virgin Fest has likely gone under no one’s radar. But except to the most discerning, tonight’s show at the Rock and Roll Hotel with Glaswegian trio 1990s, most likely has. Their debut LP, Cookies, received some nods of approval when released earlier this week, suggesting that the trio deserves a closer look.
One wouldn’t have to probe too deeply into the band’s history to find their connections to a more recognizable Scottish act. Singer/guitarist Jackie McKeown and bassist Jamie McMorrow’s previous pet act, The Yummy Fur, had an otherwise transient lineup that at one point included Paul Thomson and Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand fame. 1990s (who were discovered by Rough Trade Records after only six shows) continue the hardly serious, post-punk inspired pop tunes championed by The Yummy Fur and popularized for mass consumption by Franz Ferdinand.
The 1990s also like to party. Their trebly guitars and McKeown’s yelps would’ve demonstrated that easily enough, but their lyrical content also takes a trip into the happy, druggy parties of early Supergrass with a satirical and self-deprecating undertone that adds depth to a band that seeks none. In short, the band claims to play music “like a blonde gets out of a car,” stealing a line from their song “Meet Me At the Lights.”
This show may have only showed up as a blip on an otherwise engaged musical radar, especially if you’re tired of British buzz bands who like to party. For those who also like to party and want a more intimate show before throwing themselves completely into the weekend’s crowded festival atmosphere, 1990s should fill that niche.
1990s play the Rock & Roll Hotel tonight with Red Romance and Three Stars alum Telograph
