What happens when you mix the indie-pop harmonies of identical twin sisters with a tight rhythm section and a layered guitar? You get D.C.'s very own Exit Clov.
"Respond Respond," the bands' second EP, proves Exit Clov's eclectic abilities as it leaves the listener unable to pinpoint one particular style. While the opening track, "DIY," and the following "Beast Simone" would remind most listeners of Canadian pop band Metric, the third track, "Violent Berries," takes on a much more indie-pop approach reminiscent of a similar but altogether different Canadian pop band, Stars.
The addition of violin courtesy of Emily and Susan Hsu, who also harmonize on vocals, adds a classical element not found in most indie-pop.
It all began in 2003, when the Hsu sisters met Aaron Leeder (guitar), Brett Niederman (bass) and John Thayer (drums) at a party.
"We played together a couple times and realized we had something kinda cool," Susan Hsu said.
Three years and two EPs later, Exit Clov has created quite a buzz for themselves in the local D.C. scene and on college radio. Exit Clov's "Respond Respond" has recently charted in the top 20 of the College Music Journal radio playlist, an honor any indie band would love to be bestowed with.
"We're excited people are digging the record," Thayer said. "We've been waiting to get something on wax that we feel is equal to our live show."
Naturally, one's environment greatly influences one's art, and seeing how Exit Clov is a D.C. band, it is safe to assume there is most definitely a political edge to their music.
"Living in D.C., you can't help but be aware of the politics surrounding you. On both sides of the aisle there is so much corruption and deceit," Thayer said.
Exit Clov makes their stance quite clear when it comes to the negative aspects of D.C. (or "brainwashington" as they refer to the city in the track "MK Ultra") and its occasionally overbearing, over-handed way of governing. Susan regarded the political influence in their tracks as something that came out of studying political science and history.
"Some of us are nerds who studied things like history, policy and politics. Living in D.C., I guess it just comes out in our lyrics that way," said Susan.
The politics don't end there. The highlight of "Respond Respond" is the closing track, "Communist BBQ," whose guest list includes the likes of Evo Morales, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.
"The subject isn't meant to be taken too seriously -it's more of a satirical take on the leftist movement that's picking up in Latin America. If you watch the news on this subject, it's borderline comedic, with the silly diatribes and the name calling between Venezuela and the U.S. So 'Communist BBQ' was just a way for us to make light of the whole situation," Emily said.
Communist dictators of the 20th century are not the only influence for Exit Clov. While The Beatles, Blur and Pulp are all cited as major influences, Exit Clov has been greatly influenced in the studio by more contemporary counterparts as well. Other bands, like indie favorites Arcade Fire, Of Montreal, Q and not U and The Moving Units, have inspired Exit Clov to play around with different styles.
"A lot of what we're listening to affects what we try out in practice, so I'm sure avid music fans can pick out some of who we're listening to at the time we wrote the songs," Susan said.
Exit Clov will be playing Oct. 20 at the Rock 'n' Roll Hotel in Northeast Washington to honor their first nationwide release. Not only are they celebrating their continued success, but Exit Clov has also teamed up with the local organization Community Help in Music Education. Together they have set up an instrument drive for D.C. public schools.
At the release party, concertgoers will have the opportunity to donate keyboards, acoustic guitars and string instruments in exchange for an Exit Clov poster or badge.
