Listen up to the latest track from Pure Bathing Culture, “Pendulum”. The band has mastered “breezy tunes”, with the soaring vocals and chiming guitars and synths. Off the upcoming album, Moon Tides, available August 19 (UK)/August 20 (US) on Partisan Records.

Still hungry for more danceable vocoder galore (kids these days) but looking for something else than mega-hyped, impeccably arranged and Saint Laurent Paris-clad choons courtesy of French bots and their famous old friends? Then you should definitely check out After Dark 2, the much-awaited sequel to the legendary After Dark compilation put together in 2007 by American producer Johnny Jewel and released through the heavily 80′s-obsessed label Italians Do It Better.

The man behind Chromatics, Glass Candy, Desire, Symmetry and a handful of other sexy, gauzy-synthpop music projects, Jewel delivers a collection of 16 fantastic italo-disco tracks designed for vintagey romance and nighttime wandering. Get a taste of the Johnny Jewel medicine with Mirage’s master-crafted and heart-wrenching ‘Let’s Kiss’ below. After Dark 2 is now available on iTunes, and we hear that a gold-glittered triple LP might be in the cards… Stay tuned.

It’s been 3 years since the release of Libraries; the follow up to the Love Language’s loud, fuzzy self-titled debut of 2008, and since then, little else has been heard of new material. Libraries left us off with the presentation of an expanded and eclectic approach to songcraft. Now, from what we’re shown by “Calm Down” of the upcoming Ruby Red, the Love Language continues to transform and enlarge their sound.

Where Libraries featured a number of expressive tracks emphasizing the atmosphere of each piece (“Wilmot,” “Blue Angel”), and The Love Language brought songs overflowing with rumbling, exclamatory energy (“Lalita,” “Sparxxx”), “Calm Down” seems to find a happy medium between the two. Propelled by a quick drumbeat and made dense by rich harmonization and layered guitars, “Calm Down” still maintains the same charming heartache of past records whilst giving us a look at a new and improved Love Language. Ruby Red, and the unveiling of the Love Language’s improving sound, is out July 23 off of Merge Records. ­

There is no doubt that DC’s sundry music scene continues to flourish. With good reason, acts like the District’s own Paperhaus ought to be much more anticipated than the semi-disappointment that the capital’s renowned Cherry Blossoms annually provide.

Paperhaus drops their sophomore EP, “Lo Hi Lo”, later this month as they embark on a 50 date nationwide tour. The band’s new record will be slated for digital release on May 28th.

The four track follow-up to the band’s self titled album is an alt-blues teaser with some funky neo-psychedelic influences. Their single, “Helicopters,” buzzes with groovy guitar segments set atop a cool lo-fi backdrop. “Lo Hi Lo” also features the catchy tune “Corazon”, which is a bubbly pop-inspired gem. Collectively the EP provides a mellow feel properly suited for enhancing the season’s rooftop barbs and for gallivanting in the summer’s vibrant rays.

Be sure to join Paperhaus for their homecoming show at the Rock & Roll Hotel featuring other buzzing local bands Shark Week and Young Rapids on June 7th.

words by Morgan Clinton

Clearly the number of soulful British songstresses knows no bounds. Elli Ingram is a new voice out of the UK in the vein of Adele, similar in tone and gravitas but with more edge and more swag. Check this cover (below) she does of Kendrick Lamar’s “Poetic Justice” (arguably one of the best songs on his new album good kid m.A.A.d city). This version gives the original a run for its money. It’s sexy and melodic. Not only does it show off the versatility of Kendrick’s lyricism, but it totally amps up that Janet Jackson “Any Time, Any Place” sample.

Thankfully, Elli Ingram isn’t a one-hit wonder. While she also does covers of Kanye West, the original stuff she’s been recording is strong too. Her album “Sober” is supposed to drop in May. In the meantime, check out our another one of our favorite from the record, ballad “Silver and Gold”.

words by Melanie Weniger

Bandmates Ben Grubin and Jerm Reynolds have come a long way since producing punk influenced dance tunes in their Redlands, California basement. Four years after their successful debut record, Mind Chaos, Hockey returns center-stage in support of their sophomore album, Wyeth IS. Although previously compared to the likes of The Strokes and MGMT, Hockey believes that this album showcases a distinctive creative progression that has evolved on its own terms. The album Wyeth IS, remains true to Hockey’s love of vintage electronic beats layered under warm bass lines and guitar tones. In addition, Grubin comfortably balances the record’s synth heavy tracks through his sincere lyricism and poignant vocal delivery. U Street Music Hall is hosting Hockey who will be co-headlining with the Hush Sound on May 17th. Early show… doors open at 5:30pm.

words by Morgan Clinton

Begone bitter cold! Bleached’s Ride Your Heart is here to announce summer’s coming and herald it with open arms. Coming out of the sunny San Fernando Valley of California, Bleached nods to their native land and brings out irresistibly sunny, West Coast jams on their new LP, Ride Your Heart. Successfully blending a mixture of Cali surf-pop and classic, Ramones-esque punk rock, Ride Your Heart presents simple, energetic songs endowed with a powerful sense of melody. Welcome summer’s advent with Bleached’s carefree tunes and stream the album free below, and if ya dig it, buy it here.

SHOW ALERT: The band is playing tonight (4/18) at DC9 with Hunters. Be there.