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: The Black Sparks, Stereosleep, The Raised By Wolves
Who are they?
The Raised By Wolves is a indie-pop duo from Bethesda, Md. comprised of Ben Eskin and Dusty Durston. They’ve been writing songs in one form or another since 2004.
What do they sound like?
Radio-friendly ’90s alt-rock collides with dreamy melodies and searing hooks to create some finely crafted pop-rock tunes. Take, for instance, the tune “Freddy Freaker,” which totally sounds like something you would’ve heard on WHFS 99.1 FM circa ’98.
Raised By Wolves? Isn’t that a beer?
Indeed. Right Proper Brewing Company has a beer called “Raised By Wolves.” No relation to the band, but it is described as a “medium-bodied, dry-hopped pale ale…loaded with lush and tropical hop character.” I guess that could also describe the band?
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Who are they?
Stereosleep is a D.C.-based alt-rock band comprised of members Billy Wood, Bruce Fulton, CJ Uy, and Donny Ray.
What do they sound like?
Bluesy alt-rock meets melodic indie rock. Licks and riffs indicative of The White Stripes and The Black Keys combines with a bluesy/jam-rock sensibility and ’90s alt-rock melodies. Stereosleep’s sound fits right along with bands like the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. But there’s also kind of an ’70s/’80s hard rock/prog-rock vibe to it. The song “Black Heart Annie” definitely has riffs that compete with the best of Blue Oyster Cult’s repertoire.
Stereosleep? That sounds like the kind of name of a band that would, uh, put me to sleep.
False. They are a rock band and a loud one at that. You’ll stay awake.
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
Who are they?
The Black Sparks are post-hardcore quartet of high schoolers—Jonah Antonelli, Nathaniel Salfi, Sam Grove, Andrew Salfi, and Ray Brown—from Bethesda, Md. Jonah and Nathaniel began writing songs and playing together in elementary school (!), and they’ve continued playing ever since, eventually adding Brown and Nathaniel’s younger brother, Andrew, to complete the lineup.
What do they sound like?
In an email, bassist Brown says that “post-hardcore is the least inaccurate umbrella term,” but says he’d probably describe them as “Friendship Heights-core.” There’s a heavily influence ’80s harDCore with these kids—Minor Threat, Teen Idles, SOA, Youth Brigade, etc. But Brown says that, despite their harDCore influence, “almost all of our songs end up sounding a little like Foo Fighters somehow.”
A high school band? What is this, a joke?
Hardly. The Black Sparks rip harder—and play better—than most punk bands twice their age. But don’t just take my word for it, go see for yourself!
Should I go?
Yes, always go to Fort Reno shows.
