The xx’s debut album was groundbreaking in many ways, as it launched a rack of bands expanding on the record’s minimal style. One of those band’s, New York City’s Wet, takes the basic formula and the sound of The xx – angular guitars, programed drum beats, and female vocals – to new heights. Wet released their debut single last year and has been slowly working up to their just released four song self-titled EP. While xx singer Romy Croft has a more disaffected icy vocal, Wet’s singer Kelly Zutrau has a more soulful and dynamic voice. “You’re The Best” is a recorded version of the band’s first single “U Da Best,” amping up the original’s style and changing up the lyrics ever so slightly. The track starts with Zutaru’s voice in auto-tune giving her a robotic flair, but as the track moves on Zautra’s becomes more natural. Though Wet only has five original songs released to this point, 2014 looks to be a big year for the band.

Wet play tonight with GEMS and Alex Winston at the U Street Music Hall. Tickets are $12.

BONUS:

D.C.’s GEMS has proven to be the one of the best bands in the area. Their dream-pop stylings are in line with Baltimore’s critically lauded Beach House, but with a more electronic bent. The duo just released their debut EP and it is an all around stunner. Tonight’s show with Wet and Alex Winston serves as a special EP release show for the band and is a good entry point for new fans to see the band for the first time. “Medusa” is the band’s best song to date, with a incredibly catchy and powerful chorus.