This Week's Mix - Anniversary Style

Since this week's mix coincides with our site's anniversary, I thought that it would be appropriate to make a mix of some bands that have helped keep us in business over the years.

The Vita Ruins - Godspeed To That Polytheist
The Jaguar Club - The Sirens
Bound Stems - Taking Tips From The Gallery Gang
Jukebox the Ghost - Victoria
Telograph - The Fever
AVEC - Ageyeva
Papertrigger - We Are Nations Now!
These United States - The Business
Middle Distance Runner - With Swords
Thrushes - Flying

Telograph @ Black Cat

I finally got back to one of my favorite places in DC, Black Cat, for a stellar lineup that did not disappoint. On Friday night, I saw Telograph's CD release show that included opening sets from The Sketches and The Red Romance.


The Red Romance
The first band was the only one from out of town, NYC's The Red Romance. These talented indie rockers warmed up the crowd magnificently. I was lucky enough to get a copy of their EP after the show and it was great, but I thought the live show was better. I believe that this is the case, because their female guitarist was not featured on the EP. Due to her stellar playing, the songs got a great burst of energy and it really added a nice dynamic to their sound. All of the solos that were played by each of the musicians were well received by the audience and had everyone dancing along. I really hope to see these guys back in town soon.

"One Shot"
The Red Romance Photos


The Sketches
Next up was one was DC's The Sketches, who are a band that I had very little familiarity with. I was impressed. These guys look classy and had a ton of energy on stage and they knew how to entertain. They were constantly joking with the crowd and they had everyone loose and dancing around. I look forward to hearing much more from them.

"Secret Alphabets"
The Sketches Photos


Telograph
Our headlining act of the night, is making some of the best indie rock in DC. After opening for O.A.R. over the summer, Telograph has put together an EP full of beautifully crafted songs and this was it's coming out party. The guys came on stage and immediately started playing music. They linked their first two or three songs together with no break and just had the crowd in awe of the music that was emanating from the speakers. They went through all of the new songs, a few old ones and added several tracks that have yet to be recorded. Accompanying them was Chris from Soft Complex, who helped out on keyboards and guitar. They were planning on doing an encore and everyone in the audience was cheering for one. Due to some technical difficulties, it was not meant to be. Hopefully it will happen at the next show and I cannot wait. These guys are great musicians who write fantastic songs and I can see many doors opening for them in the future.

"Caught In Headlights"
Telograph Photos

All in all, it was a fantastic night of music that really showcased some of the best that DC has to offer. It's nights like this that remind me of why I love covering this scene.

The First of '08: Telograph

Alright, enough with the best of 2007 lists. It's a new year and it is time for some new music. I am proud to start this year off in similar fashion to the last one, with new music from DC's Telograph. Their new self-titled EP is finally in circulation and they will be having 2 parties this weekend. You can check them out in DC on Friday at Black Cat and in NYC on Saturday at The Annex. Here is a track, so that you can hear where they are headed with their sound. Happy '08!

Caught In Headlights

DAM! Fest Sunday

DAM! Fest continues in DC tonight, with another show. DC's Telograph headlines a show at IOTA and Baltimore's Arbouretum provides support. These are 2 bands known for their live shows, so this should be a good one.

Telograph - We Won't Settle Down
Arbouretum - Pale Rider Blues

Telograph Documentary

In August, DC's Telograph had the rare opportunity to play a big show at Merriweather. A short documentary was filmed on them about that experience and it just became available. Enjoy...



We Won't Settle Down
Eye For An Eye

Telograph Living Large

Here is a video of Telograph peforming "Beneath Your Feet" on the jumbotron at Merriweather on Friday night. Not the best quality, but you get the point. Congrats guys.

Big Telograph

One of my favorite local bands is DC's Telograph. Tonight, they will be playing Merriweather in front of a ridiculous amount of people. If you want to see them on a grand scale and would like to see their faces on the large video screens, this is your chance. They play first, so get there early.

Eye For An Eye
We Won't Settle Down

The Weekend In The DC/Baltimore Region

It's the weekend and yes, Virgin Fest is happening. However, there are several other shows as well. So if you don't want to roast with a bunch of sweaty people all day, you do have options.

1990s
On Friday, you have a great show at Rock & Roll Hotel. 1990s are in town with The Red Romance and local favorites Telograph. The Sketches will also be at Black Cat and they'll be joined by Aerialist, Brandon Butler and Dennis Kane.

1990s - See You At The Lights
The Red Romance - You're So Cold
Telograph - We Won't Settle Down
The Sketches - Secret Alphabets

Metronomy - credit
Saturday has Metronomy at Rock & Roll Hotel. Also, These United States finally return home from their tour. They will be at IOTA along with Cartright and Revival.

Metronomy - Trick or Treatz
These United States - Remember, Dear
Cartright - Long Way Down
Revival - Fog Rolling In

The Mooney Suzuki
On Sunday, The Mooney Suzuki return to the area for a show at Ottobar.

The Mooney Suzuki - 99%

Best Regional CDS of 2007 - The First Half

Believe it or not, 2007 is half over. That makes it the perfect time to mention my favorite Baltimore/DC Region CDs from the first part of this year. Keep in mind, that there are some local CDs that I have yet to attain, so I can't pass judgement on them at this time. Between those and several big ones that are slated for release over the last 6 months of the year, it will be interesting to see how this list changes. Regardless, these are the discs that have made the greatest dents on my iPod and CD player during the first part of this year.



Thrushes - sun come undone (buy)

There is nothing that I would change about the debut album from Baltimore's Thrushes. It has walls of sound, perfectly situated quiet moments and beautiful vocals. I keep hearing that their new material is even better, so this truly appears to be just the beginning. Regardless, this is a true statement and it's one of the best CDs of 2007.

Heartbeats
Into The Woods



Lejeune - For Club and Country (buy)

There was no sophomore slump for Lejeune. They followed up their debut with an entire disc of solid tracks. If you like intelligent lyrics and great riffs, you will enjoy this release. I personally find it hard to get these songs out of my head.

The Latest Greatest
Bizarre Histrionics



Jette-Ives - In The Deep (buy)

This disc sort of slid under the radar, because Jette-Ives was all but over by the time their debut saw the light of day and they did very little promotion behind it. That said, if you are only going to release one album into the world, this is the way to do it. Jette is a gifted lyricist and that is very evident on In The Deep. That isn't even mentioning her ridiculous vocal skills. As she sings her songs, you can feel her pain and longing. This is hands down the most sexual release of the year and it's perfect for those more intimate moments. The best moments on this CD are when the live strings shine through and perfectly accent Jette's voice. Now that she has left electronica behind and formed her own orchestra, I can't wait to see Jette recreate these songs live.

Darker Than You
E~



Monarch - If Children

This Baltimore 2-piece flies about as below the radar as you can get. This CD has no proper distribution, so you can only get it through the band at this point. That said, it is well worth it. They take what should be simple folk songs and turn them into layered works of art. Even better, is how Monarch manages to recreate a full band sound live, only using 2 people.

Family Glue
Warning


Honorable Mention: Greenland - Call Message


While we are at it, here are a couple of EPs that I haven't been able to live without:


Telograph - Little Bits of Plastic (buy)

This EP easily wins the award for most played this year. These 5 tracks are the top 5 on my iPod play count. The songs are catchy as hell and they stick in your head for days. Telograph created an excellent piece of work and they are currently in the studio trying to top it. I can't wait to hear the results.

We Won't Settle Down
Eye For An Eye



Bellman Barker - Anise & Anisette (buy)

Anybody who is familiar with my personal musical taste, knows how much of a feat it is for Bellman Barker to get a nod on my best of list. This EP is full of catchy, sun-drenched pop. The thing that makes these songs stand out, is the substance that exists behind them. Sugar usually washes away pretty quickly, but not in this case. I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish on a full length.

Molly Maroon
In Their Defense


Honorable Mention: Jukebox The Ghost (I'm holding out for the forthcoming full length)

Contest: Middle Distance Runner, Telograph and The Hard Tomorrows

There is a huge show at Black Cat on Friday night. Middle Distance Runner, Telograph and The Hard Tomorrows will all be playing the main stage. To celebrate, I have a pair of tickets to give away. To enter, send me an e-mail (instanalysis@aol.com) with your first name and location. Since I currently have 2 contests running, please specify which one you are entering. Winner will be contacted by the end of the week. Good Luck!

Middle Distance Runner - Man of the People
Telograph - We Won't Settle Down
The Hard Tomorrows - Glossy-Eyed Sweetheart

Enter the Bellman Barker contest here.

Good Weekend In Philly

Finally a weekend in Philly that has some shows to go to. If you want to check out some great bands from the Baltimore and DC areas, this is the weekend. Tonight, Saturday May 19, our friends Two If By Sea are at Johnny Brenda's. They are joined by Philly's own and a great band in their own right, Hail Social and Omaha's Coyote Bones.

Two If By Sea

Sunday at the Khyber, check out several great bands from DC, as our good friends Telograph and Middle Distance Runner come to town. They are joined by the Gena Rowlands Band, who include members of Ida, Dismemberment Plan and Beauty Pill. Great line-up and cheap at 7 bucks!

Telograph

See you all at the shows. I'll be at both. Enjoy the tunes.

Two If By Sea - Summer Borne For Sleep
Coyote Bones - Fated to Fail
Hail Social - Heaven
Telograph - Beneath Your Feet
Middle Distance Runner - Man of the People
Gena Rowlands Band - Flesh and Spirits

Dewey Beach PopFest

I have returned from a long weekend at the beach. I am pretty sure that I couldn't have sold my right arm for better weather. So the weather was good, I relaxed a little, played some golf and oh yeah, watched some bands. The highlights of the weekend were The April Skies, Telograph and Middle Distance Runner. Anybody who has any familiarity with this site, is far from shocked by that announcement. In all fairness, those were basically the only bands that represented the indie genre.


The April Skies did their thing. They played a set covering their back catalog. Then they threw a curveball and played a lively cover of The Cure's "A Forest." Complete with feedback, reverb and solid bass, it was a highlight of the weekend.


Telograph had some traffic issues heading out of DC and basically jumped right on stage, set up and played the best set that I have ever seen from them. Little Bits of Plastic was basically played in full and they also played several new songs that deliver on the promise shown on the EP. The highlight was the closer, "We Won't Settle Down."


On Saturday, Middle Distance Runner played to a rather large crowd. They played their normal set mixing new tracks and cuts from Plane in Flames. Like usual, they ended with "Man of the People." For me, that was the highlight. They were all over the stage, jumping off of risers and speakers. As far as I am concerned, that is the live song that best showcases their raw energy.

All in all, not a bad weekend. It was really a shame that I had to leave the beach and come back to work. Oh well, there is always September.

The April Skies - Here Comes The Rush
Telograph - Beneath Your Feet
Middle Distance Runner - That's A Lie

Band of the Week: Telograph

We are starting a new feature called IA's Band of the Week. Every week, we are going to pick a band that has a major event or release coming up in the region. What we do will probably be varied, but I will most likely sit down with them and conduct an interview as part of the feature. We'll see how it goes. For the first week, I choose DC's Telograph.

Telograph just released Little Bits of Plastic and are only hours removed from their arena debut. Next Saturday, they will have their official CD release party at the Black Cat with Two if by Sea and Cedars. Due to all of this, they seemed like the obvious choice for this week. Lead singer Andy Boliek was nice enough to talk with me for a few minutes…

IA: Thanks for taking the time to sit down and do this with me. I know that it has been crazy for you lately and I really appreciate it. For what it's worth, congrats on being our first ever Band of the Week.

AB: Thanks Joe, we really appreciate your interest in us and local music in general.

IA: We have a lot to talk about, but I wanted to start with your arena debut. It's only been a few hours since you got off of the stage at the Patriot Center. How did it go and how was the experience for you?

AB: It was an incredible experience.

We arrived at the venue around 2pm and spent most of the afternoon and evening preparing. The crew was nice enough to give us a pretty extensive sound check, which left us feeling very confident going into the night.

We hit the stage at 8pm, about an hour and a half after the doors opened. The place was pretty packed by this point. Playing in an arena like the Patriot Center with a powerful sound system, really gets you amped up. The kick drum and the bass sound enormous and the guitars, keyboards, and vocals fill the room. We opened with "Beneath Your Feet" and the crowd gave a very positive response. From there on out, we knew the rest of the set would be top notch.

Our set time was 25 minutes...but due to a production error, they had us come off stage one song too early. So we went back up on stage to play our last song and the crowd went crazy. It was like a mini encore.

All in all, it was an extremely positive experience. We hope to grace the stage again in the future. Oh yeah, and we have a live recording that will be surfacing soon.

Here is a link to some photos, including the one used for this piece.

IA: What aspects of that experience do you feel that you can apply to future shows at much smaller venues?

AB: The experience is much different when you play a large venue. You feel more detached because you are 5 feet off the ground and there is a wide pit in front of the stage, but the energy from the crowd is really really motivating. I'm not sure there's much that can be applied to future shows at smaller venues. However, we love playing regardless of the venue...our goal is simply to inspire the crowd and have fun.

IA: Hopefully some of that audience will come along too!

AB: I hope so! I was a bit unsure as to how O.A.R and Gomez fans would react to our music, but it was very positive. We sold a ton of CDs and t-shirts and we were approached by many people after the show asking about future shows.

IA: On Saturday, you will have your official CD release party at the Black Cat. You managed to put together an amazing bill with Two if by Sea and Cedars. How did that come about?

AB: We wanted to do our CD release show as an all local bill. Vicki at the Black Cat was nice enough to let us pick the bands. TibS and Cedars are friends of ours and we felt that it would be a fairly cohesive bill musically speaking.

IA: Do you have anything special in store for the audience at that show?

AB: You'll have to show up to find out! But yes, we do have something extra special planned. I will tell you this... it involves drum heads. And since others have decided to take over our kissing booth idea, Arash has decided to step it up a notch and give out "open mouth" kisses for $1.

IA: I wanted to talk a little bit about Little Bits of Plastic. As you know, I have had to CD for awhile. Whenever I read any press on it, everyone seems to mention "Eye For An Eye" and "Beneath Your Feet." I am guessing that those are the obvious singles?

AB: They have been noted as the catchiest songs on the CD, so we are promoting them as singles. We love all the songs equally. They're our babies and we don't pick favorites.

IA: Personally, I am a huge fan of "We Won't Settle Down." The build up and atmospheric qualities in that track are what get me.

AB: Glad you like it! We were lucky enough to have Benoit record the violin parts right before he left the band. The violin, synth pads, and guitar tracks give it the atmosphere. There's actually quite a bit of layering on this song that doesn't become obvious until you listen to it a few times.

IA: I am assuming that the EP title comes from the lyrics of "Beneath Your Feet?"

AB: Yes, "Little Bits of Plastic" is a lyric from Beneath Your Feet.

IA: What influences do you feel are apparent on this release?

AB: There are so many, but here are a few bands that we were listening to when these songs were written:

The Verve
Oasis
The Stills
Radiohead
The Strokes
The Secret Machines
Echo and the Bunnymen
Doves
The Dears

IA: If I had recently been turned on to your music either through your show at The Patriot Center or through any of the press that you have been doing lately, how could I get a copy of Little Bits of Plastic? Where is it available digitally and physically?

AB: I would tell you to come to a show and buy it. Then we can hang out and we'll say really nice things about you and your friends.

If you can't make it to a show you can order the physical copy here:

Our webpage
Myspace
CD Baby

Or you can get a digital copy at Amie Street.

We'll be on iTunes soon. We're just playing the waiting game right now.

IA: Where did the name Telograph come from?

AB: It's a secret

IA: I know that you have had some lineup changes recently. How has that changed the dynamic of the band?

AB: Benoit, our previous keyboard/violin player left the band in August to pursue a job in Montreal. It was quite a challenge to find someone to take his place... obviously, it would be difficult to find another keyboard/violin player. We played with a couple keyboardists in the months to follow, before we found JB who eventually became a full-time member.

He was a great addition to the band because of his multi-instrumental capabilities. He plays keyboard, guitar, and sings harmonies (which until now have been non-existent in a live setting). We are still secretly looking for a fifth member. If you play guitar and keyboard drop us a line at telograph@telograph.com.

IA: The DC music scene has been crazy lately. It seems like mere minutes until it explodes into the national conscience. What bands have been getting your attention?

AB: There are a lot of very talented bands in DC right now. Some of my personal favorites are Middle Distance Runner, Cedars, Army of Me, Paul Michel, and The Hard Tomorrows. I also really dig Lake Trout and Two if by Sea from Baltimore.

IA: What are your touring plans for the coming months? Also, how far are you planning on traveling to promote this release?

AB: In the next couple months, we are going to be doing several long weekends around the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. We are planning a larger scale tour for the end of Spring that will take us up the Northeast, into Canada and down through the Midwest. The objective is to play as many shows as humanly possible.

IA: Do you currently have any plans to return to the studio and put out another release?

AB: Yes. We are currently writing new material and aim to have a full-length album by this time next year. We are trying to find the right producer for our next record. Little Bits of Plastic was self-produced and we are very satisfied with the outcome, but it will be time to step it up a notch with the next album.

IA: Before we end, is there anything else that you would like to add?

AB: Come to The Black Cat this Saturday and there will be a 30% chance that you'll get a free CD and a 100% chance you will have the time of your life.

IA: Thanks again for taking the time to do this. I'll see you in a couple of weeks when you come to play in Pennsylvania.

AB: Look forward to seeing you. We're going to try to make it up the night before to catch some of our local favs.

That's it for our interview. If you would like to read more about Telograph, you can check out their piece from our 12 Bands of Christmas. I'll leave you with a couple of tracks to enjoy.

Eye For An Eye
We Won't Settle Down

This Weekend

It is the last weekend in January and it's freaking cold out, but that can't stop us. There are some great things going on in the region this weekend that you should definitely check out.

Friday

There are a couple of really good shows happening in the DC area tonight.

The night starts with Kristen Hersh playing Crooked Beat Records at 6pm to support this week's release of her new album. If you want in on the action, get there as early as you can. They can only fit 30 or so people in the store.

IA favorites Telograph are making their arena debut at The Patriot Center in Fairfax. They will be supporting Gomez and O.A.R.

Over at the Black Cat, Washington Social Club will be playing the main stage with Federal Reserve members, These United States and Let's French.

Telograph - We Won't Settle Down
Gomez - How We Operate
Washington Social Club - Backed To The Future
These United States - So High So Low So Wide So Long
Let's French - Unpack the Suitcase
Kristen Hersh - SnoCat

Saturday

In Baltimore, The Smiths tribute band Girlfriend in a Coma is playing The Ottobar. They will be supported by local favorites The Heavycoats in what will be a packed show.

Rock and Roll Hotel in DC has a huge show. Jette-Ives are having their CD release party. Jette knows how to work a crowd and she knows how to throw a party, so this should be a great one. DJ Buster and Soft Complex will be rounding out the strong bill.

Jette-Ives - Darker Than You
Soft Complex - Barcelona
The Smiths - Girlfriend in a Coma
The Heavycoats - Sea Song

Telograph Gives Us Little Bits of Plastic

It's a new year and that means new music. To kick off the year for regional releases, DC's Telograph released a new EP today. We keep telling anyone who will listen, that 2007 is going to be the year that DC hits the national conscious. If that is true, Little Bits of Plastic is certainly a nice way to start.

I received a digital copy of these songs right around Halloween and have been wanting to share them ever since. These are the kind of infectious tunes that will be stuck in your head for days. This EP also gives a hint of what the band is capable of and raises the bar for future releases. Telograph is going to be around for awhile and that is certainly a good thing for Washington, DC and music lovers in general.

Eye For An Eye
We Won't Settle Down

The Twelve Bands of Christmas: Day One - Telograph

Telograph is an up and coming band from Washington, DC. While they are known around the region for being really nice guys, they are also a really solid band with some pretty catchy songs. They write the kind of songs that you want to hear over and over and have stuck in your head for days.

We asked them to do this, because we wanted you to know about them before everybody else starts mentioning their name. There are definitely indications that big things lie ahead for them. A good example is that they play The Patriot Center mere days after the new EP drops. An unsigned band playing an arena? Yeah.

To receive some insight from their DC peers, I talked to Ian from Middle Distance Runner. He had this to say: "They're the first band that we ever bonded with in DC and they're gonna be the last band that we ever sleep with."

You heard what Ian and I think, now let's hear what the band has to say...

Band:
Telograph
Location:
Washington DC
Formed:
2004
Members:
Arash Ardalan – drums
Andy Boliek – vocals/guitar
Gary On – bass
JB Whittenburg – keys/guitar
Label:
None
Recordings:
Little Bits of Plastic (self released, Jan 2007)
Upcoming Live Dates:
January 26, 2007 @ The Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
February 17, 2007 @ The Millenium Music Conference, Harrisburg, PA

How did the band form?
Arash and Andy met via the internet and started playing songs that needed low end. Gary came onboard and provided the low end. Benoit moved here from France and played keyboards and violin with us for a year and a half. Ben left for Montreal a few months ago, and JB took his place.

How was '06 for you?
2006 was a lot of work. We spent a great deal of our time working on our EP. We devoted the latter part of the year to finding Ben’s replacement. We played a handful of shows, but not as many as we would have liked.

Highlight of the year?
Finishing our EP.

What do you have in store for '07?
Our CD will be available on New Years Day, then we will hit the streets hard. We’ll be playing several festivals and music conferences, and plan to tour excessively.

Goal for '07 and beyond?
Work on new material. We would like to sign, if a good opportunity arises.

Little Bits of Plastic (2007)
Eye For An Eye
We Won't Settle Down


Favorites

Arash
3 favorite songs of '06?
We Are Scientists – This Scene is Dead
The Secret Machines – Alone, Jealous, and Stoned
Middle Distance Runner – That’s a Lie
Favorite album of the year?
We Are Scientists – With Love & Squalor
Best live show you saw this year?
Brazilian Girls – 9:30 Club
Favorite holiday song and artist?
Sufjan Stevens - Get Behind Me, Santa
Best present you ever received?
8-bit Nintendo
Worst present you ever received?
Punch in the face

Andy
3 favorite songs of '06?
The Stills – The Mountain
Kasabian – Sun Rise Light Flies
South – A Place in Displacement
Favorite album of the year?
TV On The Radio – Return To Cookie Mountain
Best live show you saw this year?
Massive Attack @ 9:30 Club
Favorite holiday song and artist?
John Tesh - White Christmas
Best present you ever received?
Les Paul
Worst present you ever received?
Coal

Gary
3 favorite songs of '06?
Thom Yorke – Black Swan
Tapes n’ Tapes – Insistor
Wolfmother – White Unicorn
Favorite album of the year?
LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem
Best live show you saw this year?
Elefant @ The Black Cat
Favorite holiday song and artist?
David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
Best present you ever received?
Pho
Worst present you ever received?
Malaysian Crabs

JB
3 favorite songs of '06?
Mew – Why Are You Looking Grave?
Destroyer – Painter In Your Pocket
Grizzly Bear - Knife
Favorite album of the year?
Grizzly Bear – Yellow House
Best live show you saw this year?
Grizzly Bear @ Relative Theory Records, Norfolk VA
Favorite holiday song and artist?
Anything from Vince Guaraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas"
Best present you ever received?
First guitar
Worst present you ever received?
What do people usually say – socks?



The Twelve Bands of Christmas
Introduction
Day 1: Telograph
Day 2: AVEC
Day 3: The Hard Tomorrows
Day 4: Middle Distance Runner
Day 5: Thrushes
Day 6: Georgie James
Day 7: Exit Clov
Day 8: Jette-Ives
Day 9: These United States
Day 10: Cedars
Day 11: Two if by Sea
Day 12: Soft Complex

Telograph

One of the great bands playing Baltimore Music Con on Saturday, is Telograph. They are an indie rock quartet out of Washington, DC. Anyway, Andy (the lead singer) sent me a special mp3 to post as promotion for this show. Since it is so unique, I didn't want it to get lost with all of the other mp3's listed in my weekly preview. The track is an almost final cut from their new cd that they should have finished in the next week. This is the only mp3 of any of these tracks that is in existance outside of their inner circle. Listen to the song, it really sounds great. You can hear major growth from their earlier work. Let me know what you think.

Telograph - Eye for an Eye