GW’s campus gets an underground music minifest makeover this weekend. Photo via Flickr user southpointbreeze
Tuesday
Neon Indian, Tamaryn @ the 9:30 club 7pm $25. All ages, accessible venue
Alan Palomo started Neon Indian in 2009 and inadvertently launched the genre “chillwave” unto the world. While contemporaries Washed Out turned into a shoegaze band, and Toro y Moi has experimented with dance music, indie rock and hip-hop, Neon Indian has been slowing evolving their template, adding new sounds while keeping their recorded output relatively low. This Friday, the band will release their third full length Vega Intl. Night School, a jam packed record of woozy, fun house synths, random samples and a couple of stunners like the singles “Annie” and “Slumlord.” The production values are higher than the previous two records but it maintains a homemade feel. Tamaryn is also one to watch, dropping her previous gloomy sound for a straight forward pop move on Cranekiss. The double bill is sure to keep fans dancing all night.
>>Comet Ping Pong: Shannon & the Clams, Las Rosas, Gauche, and DJ Baby Alcatraz 9pm $12. All ages, accessible venue
>>DC9: Paperhaus, Santah, Stronger Sex 8pm $12. All ages, inaccessible venue
Wednesday
Empress Of, Abra @ DC9 8:30pm $12 All ages, inaccessible venue
Lorely Rodriguez preforms under the moniker Empress Of, and her debut record Me is one of the best albums of 2015. True to its title, Me is a ten song collection of personal tracks backed by cheery pop music. The album takes on topics like cat-calling on the arresting track “Kitty Kat” and the pressures of being a woman on highlight “Standard.” The next time Rodriguez plays in the District, expect a bigger venue.
>>Black Cat: Goatsnake, YDI, and Big/Brave 7:30pm $15. All ages, accessible venue
Thursday
>> Black Cat: Blitzen Trapper and the Domestics 7:30 $20. All ages, accessible venue
>>DC9: King Dude, Foie Gras, and Naked 8pm, $12. All ages, inaccessible venue
Friday
Kacey Musgraves @ Lincoln Theatre 6:30 Sold Out. All ages, accessible venue
Kacey Musgraves is a break-out country star. But aside from winning Grammys, she gets no love from country radio, which is a shame. Any one of the thirteen tracks on her sophomore record Pageant Material could be hits. But who needs radio support when you sold out two shows in D.C.? If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, you are in for a treat.
>>Rock and Roll Hotel: Mercury Rev, Elysian Fields 8pm $20. All ages, accessible venue
>>U Street Music Hall: Odisee, Good Compny 7pm $20. All ages, accessible venue
Saturday
Tobias Jesso Jr. and Wet @ 9:30 6pm $20. Club All ages, accessible venue
70’s singer-songwriter pop is coming back and Tobais Jesso Jr. is leading the charge. Jess Jr’s songs are uncomplicated relatable stories of love, betrayal, and the like. It is no wonder Adele co-signed Jesso Jr. and flew him out to work on her highly anticipated third record. Unlike the last time he was at Sixth and I, Jesso Jr. has assembled a backing band to breathe life into his intricate arrangements.
Napfest @ GW (U Yard) 1:30, Free. All ages, accessible venue
WRGW has been a staple of GW University since 1959, and they have thrown all sorts of events. But they may have out done themselves this time. Napfest is a free outdoor festival including rising D.C. bands like Young Rapids and Louis Weeks, and headlined by Philly’s Radiator Hospital. Napfest is a perfect way to spend your afternoon. Who can say no to free?
>>9:30 Club: Old 97’s and Banditos 10pm $25. All ages, accessible venue
>>DC9: Dungen and Quilt 6:30pm $15. All ages, inaccessible venue
Sunday
Eternal Summers, Soccer Team, and Polyon @ Comet Ping Pong 9 pm $12 All ages, accessible venue
Roanoke, VA’s Eternal Summers have been making dreamy pop-rock noise for four albums. On their fourth record, Gold and Stone, Eternal Summers double down on their sound, making something beefier. Playing Comet this Sunday with two of D.C.’s best bands, Soccer Team and Polyon, this show is not to be missed.
>>Songbyrd Music House: Advance Base, Margot MacDonald, Amy Bezunartea, and The Galaxy Electric 8pm $10. 18+
