Kill Lincoln. Photo via the artist.
Kill Lincoln – “Good Riddance to Good Advice”
Kill Lincoln have for years been the unchallenged kings of ska-punk in the DMV. Earlier this week, their blend of breakneck pop-punk and a blaring horn section was blessed by the still-reigning kings of the genre nationally—members of Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish—as some of the best ska-punk being played anywhere. The band’s new 6-song EP, released digitally this week and in physical form in early March, shows precisely why they’ve earned the praise of their scene forefathers. The six songs are big, aggressive, and preposterously catchy—even when the band wanders into head-nodding hardcore and post-punk territory. — Ron Knox
Bearson – “Pink Medicine” (Manila Killa Remix)
We knew it was only a matter of time until Bearson’s brilliant debut, “Pink Medicine”, would receive the remix treatment, we just didn’t think there was a whole lot left to improve upon. When it comes to remixes, there’s a fine line artists have to consider when altering the track. The song still needs to have some of the original familiarity that made it great to begin with, but there needs to be enough variations that give it its own distinct personality.
Thankfully, the Norwegian producer has left his track in good hands by tapping D.C.-based Manila Killa for an official reworking. Manila only recently emerged over the past year, but the rising producer has already established himself as a remix master and continues to turn heads with his tropical, trap-influenced creations. In his interpretation of “Pink Medicine”, Manila keeps the chopped up vocals that worked so well, but interjects poppy synth chords and a gorgeous piano piece that transform the song into a vibrant, future-trap dance track. The streak of solid edits continues for Manila Killa, who accepted the unenviable task of reworking an already beloved song, and delivered a feel-good remix worthy of play for months to come. — Dalton Vogler
Alma Tropicalia – “What Makes You”
Just in time for Carnival season, Alma Tropicalia releases a new single with two original tunes, “Last Road Out” and “What Makes You.” Both tunes are fresh offerings of Alma Tropicalia’s psychedelic samba and Brazilian funk sound, and feature Elin singing in English and John Lee on some wailing guitar lines. Alma Tropicalia are off to a great start for the new year, with the uplifting and positive lyrics of “What Makes You” the perfect soundtrack to daydream about sunny tropical shores — Andy Cerutti
The El Mansouris – “Walden”
When NPR Music asked for submissions for their Tiny Desk Contest, questioning eyes scanned the local applicants, and this one kept popping up as a particularly unique entry. The name The El Mansouris is brand new, but there are a few familiar faces in their ranks; Drew Hagelin plays for dreamy minimalists Cigarette, Alex Braden provided the guitar for instrumental powerhouse Bella Russia, and Margot MacDonald has some memorable solo albums. So if you’re wondering what such a collaboration would entail—that answer includes a lot of percussion and underwater-esque synths at the offset leading into a gorgeous heart-stopper with ethereal harmonization from MacDonald and Fiona Kohrman. What’s more, this is the stripped down version of their song, tailor made for an office setting that would not be conducive to complicated instrumental setups. That their first shows will be at three art galleries is probably not a surprise given Braden’s past sound installations at places like Artisphere and promises more textured and lush sounds. — Valerie Paschall
