The new year has begun and it’s time to get your live music fixture on. The Scene is here to point you in the direction of the best upcoming live acts at some of the District’s best music venues.
Yo La Tengo
Indie favorites Yo La Tengo have been a cult staple for every self-respecting hipster since they stepped onto the music scene. Since their critically acclaimed 1993 release, “Painful,” the band has been churning out musical gold for the alternative rock scene. Their blend of shoegaze rock and punk was a lighthearted alternative for those who weren’t into the grunge scene that seemed to encapsulate the nineties. Tengo is composed of married couple Ira Caplan and Georgia Hubley, on guitar and vocals, and drums, respectively, along with friend James McNew on drums. Anyone in attendance is in for a raucous concert, especially considering this is the same band that titled an album “I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass.” You can catch them at the 9:30 club on Jan. 21.
Dr. Dog
With their folksy blend of psychedelic pop rock, Dr. Dog are the perfect band for mellow concertgoers. The soulful quintet is heading to the 9:30 club on Jan. 28 and 29 to promote their latest album, “Shame, Shame.” For those who are unfamiliar with the band, they’re reminiscent of sweeping folk bands of the ‘60s, like the Mamas and the Papas and Buffalo Springfield mixed with strong vocals similar to Cold War Kids. Their new album though, adds a bit of a rougher edge to their sound, mixing in more electric guitars and giving a more modern feel to their usual retro style. Old fans and new fans can expect a sublime concert filled with great musicianship and good vibes.
Twin Tigers
Formed in 2007, Twin Tigers is an up and coming indie band on the heels of their first full-length album, “Gray Waves.” After going on tour opening for Minus the Bear and the Antlers, Twin Tigers are finally the headlining their own tour. Composed of Matthew Rain, Aimee Morris, Doug Crump and Forrest Hall, the band hails from Athens, Georgia. They’re bringing their swirling indie sound to the Black Cat on Jan. 27, with opening acts Tennis System and Thee Lolitas. For those wondering what to expect, the shoegazing quartet has a sound reminiscent of Radiohead, with a pop twinge akin to the Killers.
Lissie
After three short years in the music industry, folk rock singer Lissie has worked with a veritable trove of famous musicians on a variety of collaborations. This includes opening for Lenny Kravitz on his Love Revolution Tour, to getting one of her songs remixed by deadmau5 and having her EP, “Why You Runnin” produced by Bill Reynolds of Band of Horses. In addition to releasing a highly critically acclaimed album last June, titled “Catching a Tiger,” Lissie has proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with. To prove her range extends even further, Lissie released simply delirious covers of “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga and “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi, turning the pop staples into luscious and soulful folk songs. The talented performer is bringing her unique sound to the 9:30 club on Jan. 30, and at $15 a ticket, there’s absolutely no reason to miss it.
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy
It would seem as though Robert Plant has nothing more to prove — simply being the frontman of Led Zeppelin confirmed his status as a legendary musician — but that wasn’t enough for the British singer. In 2007, he teamed up with Alison Krauss for the folk album “Raising Sand,” which went platinum and won five Grammys, further solidifying that Plant has a Midas touch for all things music. But to everyone’s delight, Plant is restless once again and has revived his first band, Band of Joy, for a new album and a brand new tour. The self-titled album has already received two Grammy nominations, for Best Americana Album and Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance. But don’t expect any thunderous rock ‘n’ roll à la Zeppelin. Band of Joy is all haunting lyrics and disoriented folk rock, wrought with Plant’s searing voice. The group is coming to DAR Constitution Hall on Feb. 1, but if we keep our fingers crossed, maybe, just maybe Plant might break out some Zeppelin classics.
ydesta@theeagleonline.com
