A Sunny Day Shines On A Rainy Night

Gails of wind and pouring rain could not stop devoted music fans from packing DC9 for shoegazers A Sunny Day in Glasgow Sunday night. The six piece band from Philadelphia (no, they're not from Scotland) sparkled as they performed songs from their critically
acclaimed 2009 effort "Ashes Grammar."

They played an incredible set, selecting some of the best tracks from the 63 minute album, opening with two of their most popular songs, "The White Witch" and "Failure," moving into "Nitetime Rainbows," also the title track of a seven song EP released earlier this month. The songs sounded even better live than on the album, due largely in part to talented new vocalists Jen Goma and Annie Fredrickson, who replaced former singers Lauren and Robin Daniels.

There was so much going on at any given point onstage it was almost overwhelming, whether it was guitarist Josh Meakim blazing out a solo, Goma and Fredrickson singing intricate harmonies or Ben Daniels playing a number of different instruments, including an electric mandolin on one number.

Fredrickson took time between songs to talk to the audience. "Since we're in DC, I just want to say it's awesome that healthcare passed," she said to a roar of applause. "Well, it could be better, but it's good."

The set wasn't without some surprises. Mixed in with the ethereal, dreamy songs of "Ashes Grammar" were two heavier compositions. Drummer Adam Herndon pounded his crash cymbals and kickdrum while Ryan Newmyer turned his steady bass strumming up in the mix, laying down a menacing rhythmic foundation for Daniels and Meakim to fill out with layers of distorted chords. All the while, Goma and Fredrickson maintained their sweet, melodic vocals with Meakim adding vocoder harmonies. The energy in the room instantly morphed from a euphoric daze to a rock frenzy that was nothing short of spectacular.

A Sunny Day in Glasgow mingled with the ecstatic crowd following the set and thanked fans profusely as they made their way back into the wet DC night craving more.

-Joseph Rabinowitz

Great New Music At DC9

California quartet and recent Sub Pop signees Dum Dum Girls played a show with London lo-fi trio Male Bonding last night at DC9. Dum Dum girls combine classic 60s girl-group harmonies and songwriting with garage punk edge and surf rock guitar, fitting perfectly into the new wave of beach inspired, lo-fi rock music coming out of the indie scene. The group started as a solo recording project by lead singer and songwriter, Dee Dee, in Los Angeles. Later experimentation with different lineups led to the final group of three more female musicians.

The Girls played older material mixed with a few tracks off their new LP “I Will Be” due out March 30. Despite suffering from a bad sore throat, Dee Dee fought through the set, still managing to belt out a short-but -sweet show in her deep, gentle croon. The Girls sounded great, bringing the Phil Spector Wall of Sound-like harmonies of “I Will Be” to life in heels, striped leggings and short, black dresses.

Male Bonding took the stage next, rifling through a furious set of punk-inspired garage rock. “More bass in the space!” yelled one excited fan against the stage. Singer and bassist Kevin Hendrick cranked up his amplifier and yelled back, “More bass in your face London! I mean DC!” Male Bonding will release their debut LP, “Nothing Hurts,” May 11 on Sub Pop. You can also hear them on a newly released Paradise Vendors Inc 12” compilation of lo-fi bands in the UK garage rock scene.

DC9 is the perfect venue for smaller acts. The small upper floor puts fans right up close with the performers for an intimate concert experience. The sound is great and tickets are usually $15 or less, even as low as $7. The nightclub has frequent 18+ shows and features two bars for 21+ guests. It’s located at 1940 9th Street NW, just down the street from the 9:30 Club and only a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop.

For more information about DC9 visit www.dcnine.com

-Joseph Rabinowitz