By DCist Contributor Alex Tebeleff

LVL UP and Palehound are two examples of how focused, DIY-minded bands can yield the same, if not better, results than major label bands. Both also come from two of the most respected and consistent independent labels in Brooklyn; LVL UP puts out their records on the label that two of their members run, Double Double Whammy, while Palehound is on Exploding In Sound’s lineup. This background made it equally surprising and wonderful to see them play on the renowned 9:30 Club stage on Thursday night, opening for Run For Cover Records emo bands Basement and Adventures.

Speaking with LVL UP, a group of friends who met in college at SUNY Purchase, it is clear that they’re looking at the the bigger community picture and how it relates to up-and-coming musicians. “We all try to foster as much communication and friendship and community as humanly possible,” says drummer Greg Rutkin.

They do this through their band, their label, and their involvement in DIY shows in Brooklyn. “We wouldn’t be where we are at right now if it wasn’t for the people that we work with,” says guitarist Dave Benton. “Our community gives us more than we can ever give them,” adds Rutkin. This reciprocal relationship between hardworking musicians and the community itself is consistently the basic ingredient in almost every flourishing, organic music scene.

Traveling also helps build bonds in the independent music community, as LVL UP has seen happen. “Touring lets you get to the communities and really meet the people,” says bassist Nick Corbo. These instances of direct connection, of personal meeting and speaking, still mean much more than almost anything the Internet can do to connect artists and communities.

Palehound has similar feelings about their community in Boston and extended family in Brooklyn through Exploding In Sound. Fellow EIS band and current D.C. post hardcore bad-asses Two Inch Astronaut were even hanging out in Palehound’s green room backstage at the 9:30 Club. Everyone involved with the label has a shared history. They help each other grow and reach broader audiences simply by building a natural community of independent musicians and being genuinely excited about their friends’ projects.

“Venues like 930 club are on a whole other level than anything we’ve played before. It’s also been interesting playing in front of Basement’s crowd, lots of people we have never played in front of before,”said Ellen Kempner. A hell of a songwriter, you can’t mistake her melodies, lyrics, or guitar playing for anyone else’s.

She’s aware that part of the success is thanks to the love and support of independent labels. “It’s really awesome that these labels are getting this attention, because they are run by people who are so hard working. Dan Goldin, who runs Exploding In Sound, is basically a one-man show. He really just dedicates his life to these bands.”

LVL UP’s live performance is the perfect mixture of earnest and wild. There is no bullshit in their focused rock and roll. Oddly and thankfully, the lyrics were clear throughout the set. LVL UP also treated the audience to a fair amount of jamming, usually with the rhythm section holding tight while the guitarists rip through extended, aggressive sonics. This is definitely a band that makes immediate sense in the live format, perhaps more so than on recordings. They are informed by the history of punk, with only minimal signs of classic rock idioms.

Palehound also left quite the impression on the audience, folks who, as Kempner suggested, had probably never been acquainted with the opening acts. It’s original music with thoughtful songwriting and unique, infectious energy. Nothing not to love.

Palehound and LVL UP act as direct antidotes to contemporary pop music, though in doing so they still maintain strong hooks that could certainly build larger audiences. LVL UP arm themselves with guitars, while Palehound are weaponized with groove and unique melodies, against the complacency of manufactured pop music.

There is nothing like the feeling of entering a band’s small world live in concert when you hear their music live. We can only hope more independent bands this good get an opportunity to play the 930 Club.