Photo by stgermh.
The Fort Reno summer concert series was almost canceled this year, but after some back-and-forth between organizer Amanda MacKaye and the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, the shows will go on. Now that the drama is over (for now, at least), it’s time to focus on what Fort Reno is all about: the bands.
Tonight’s bill: Priests, Sotano, and Puff Pieces
Puff Pieces
Who are they?
Puff Pieces are a three piece post-punk band comprised of longtime D.C. musicians (featuring members of El Guapo, Supersystem, E.D. Sedgwick, Weed Tree, and Caution Curves, among others)
What do they sound like?
The band plays a kind of kraut rock-inspired post-punk, with bits of nervous rhythms combined with angular riffs and jangly outbursts. I mean, if you’re a fan of ’70s post-punk, you’ll definitely dig Puff Pieces.
They have a song about Nazis? Uh, I don’t think that’s kosher with me.
No, it’s cool! The song isn’t about Nazis, per se, it’s about how one would react if some sort of new oppressive power came and took over: “What are you gonna think when the new Nazis spill your drink? / Who are you gonna call when you hear Nazis in the hall?” It’s meant to be cheeky!
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Sotano
Who are they?
Sotano is a five-piece rock band from Silver Spring, Md. Members of the band have played in various other bands across the country—from Chicago, to Austin, to, well, right here in D.C., naturally.
What do they sound like?
Sotano describes themselves as an indie rock band “that has garage, punk, and pop sensibilities.” This is accurate. The band’s style of indie rock harkens back to a lot of ’90s power-pop and alt-rock—with shades of Matthew Sweet and The Lemonheads colored over a kind of classic rock’n’roll sound, a la The Black Crowes.
What does Sotano mean?
Well, apart from being the band’s name, Sotano is the Spanish word for “basement,” or “cellar.” This is an appropriate name for a rock band as they probably started jamming in someone’s basement.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Priests
Who are they?
Priests are a four-piece art-punk band from D.C.
What do they sound like?
You take two parts riot grrrl, three parts surf-punk, one part ’60s psychedelic garage rock, and one part noise-rock, throw it in a blender (be sure to hit the liquify button, so it mixes up smoothly), and—boom—you have Priests. They play music with a sharp socio-political message—from songs about the patriarchy, to songs about how fucked up street harassment is.
Wait, I think I’ve heard of this band.
You probably have! The band is getting a lot of attention lately—with a WCP cover story, a big Post profile, and mentions in a lot of national music publications. And for good reason! They’re one of the hardest-working bands in D.C. right now and consistently put on one of the most electrifying live shows I’ve seen.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
