D.C. four-piece Mary Christ came out of nowhere, but their presence is entirely essential. One of the all-girl band’s first gigs was opening for Ted Leo, and now they’re opening for Brooklyn’s The Men. Mary Christ is a new incarnation of riot-grrrl, but a little bit more hardcore. Their songs are sludgy, but with just the right amount of pop. Fronted by Alex DB (who is also a DJ in the area), the band is a force to be reckoned with. Today’s song of the day is a new Mary Christ track taken from their first 7” slated for release on July 30. “Absent Minds” is a rowdy fist-pumper and is sure to get the pit going on Thursday night.

Mary Christ open for The Men and Streetwalkers Thursday July 5th at DC9. Tickets are $10.