#eric zidar

MUSIC MONDAY PLAYLIST: Eric’s Picks

There's nothing more exciting than being blown away by a young, brand new band playing to 15 people in a dingy basement. Here are 10 bands I've seen in the past few months that have done just that. Enjoy!

LOCAL ANESTHETIC: Two Inch Astronaut

My hands-down favorite band in the DMV right now is Two Inch Astronaut. The post-hardcore trio from Colesville, MD lives and breathes dissonant guitar chords and tuneful screams matched with odd-timed cadences and catchy hooks. As expected, they’ve already drawn comparisons to hometown heroes like Shudder to Think and Jawbox, and it’s impossible to deny the unmistakable D.C hardcore influence. Since signing onto Brooklyn’s Exploding in Sound Records, the band has released two full-length albums, distributed by (you guessed it) Dischord Records, and their most recent release, Foulbrood, has been one of my most consistent listens since its release in 2014. Apart from the gloomy and deeply poetic lyrics, what stands out to me most on Foulbrood is the intricate musicianship and songwriting on every track, particularly the array of odd guitar chords that still have my scratching my head. Since the release, the band has scored a spring tour with Speedy Ortiz along with labelmates Krill, and are now touring Europe throughout May/June. If you haven’t gotten into Two Inch Astronaut yet, listen to BOTH albums in full right now, and make sure to check them out @ Rock & Roll Hotel on 7/11, or up in Baltimore on 6/21 @ Charm City Art Space.

-Eric Zidar

Favorite Foulbrood tracks: Part of Your Scene, Black Fridge Area, Whole Crew