The XX and Grizzly Bear, huh? I don’t know about you, but when I heard about this intriguing double bill, my mind leapt immediately to the question, “Will they form a supergroup called ‘Grixxly??’” With the obvious answer being probably not, I next considered what backstage banter between the two groups might sound like…

GRIZZLY BEAR: So, you’re named after the chromosome, right?

The XX: (sounding especially English) Nope. The beer, actually. Dos Equis.

GB: No way! Never would’ve guessed.

XX: Few have. (A beat passes.) So what about you? Named for the species of bear, I imagine?

GB: Everyone assumes that, but we’re actually named for a regular brown bear that’s been killed in a grisly manner.

XX: Oh?

GB: We were originally called “Grisly Bear Corpse,” but our label didn’t like it. Said it wasn’t (makes air quotes) representative of our sound.

XX: Bloody record labels.

GB: I know, right?

Now you try! Comment with a robustly imagined inter-band convo. Our favorite wins a pair of tickets to the show on June 16, at Merriweather Post Pavilion, which is somewhere in Maryland. Or grab tickets HERE. You can expect to come away from the concert feeling dazed, sad, and a little turned on. Good deal.

Local DC buzz band and newdust faves Shark Week are out with their newest single “Go West” off their upcoming double A-side 7″, Santurce. The record is out on July 30, and you can pre-order it HERE. Listen up and let the care-free, all American, rock & roll wash over you…

MORE SWEETLIFE NEWS! Our friends at All Things Go are throwing a party tomorrow at U Street Music Hall on 5/9 to celebrate the upcoming Sweetlife Festival (more HERE) on May 11. Set includes our favorites MS MR, with Sir Sly and newcomers Magic Man backing ‘em up. Get tickets to the UHALL show HERE and be there!

Pay attention to disco in the coming months because it’s about to have another moment. As EDM is spiraling off into a thousand digital redundancies, back comes Daft Punk who rather than riding the cash wave of corporate ravers have released a disco single and are about to release a disco album. Live instrumentation is about to replace Skrillex. It’s not just the right moment musically, I agree with Manchester DJ legend Greg Wilson,

“Get Lucky has dropped at just the right moment. At a time of recession and austerity, the uplifting nature of Disco is at its most potent, as proved in the past. What must be remembered is that this was a movement that flourished in New York at a point when the city was on its knees, only just avoiding bankruptcy. Disco thrived through the hard times, the release it provided from the stresses and strains of the everyday…”

That’s not to say that the many forms of disco ever really went away. The line between house and disco is often very thin and in the last 10 years great disco has come from two places: New York City and Norway. Norwegian producers like Lindstrøm and Todd Terje have been releasing euphoric underground disco tracks and edits for almost a decade. New York’s disco output centers around James Murphy’s DFA records and a handful of NYC artists. DFA’s sound is really reflected in their motto, “Too old to be new, Too new to be a classic.”

DFA’s lineup includes Holy Ghost!. The duo have been releasing synthy disco-pop tracks since 2007 and have a serious knack for grooves. They use mostly live instrumentation and actually feel like a continuation of New York’s Disco heritage. More importantly, they are the perfect antidote to EDM’s aforementioned digital cliches and might become a centerpiece of the upcoming Summer of Disco. Check out their nearly shot for shot remake of New Order’s Confusion music video above and they put on a super fun live show so be sure to check them out at Sweetlife (more HERE) on May 11, and keep your disco eyes open in 2013.

Words by Peter Fusco

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

Caveman’s new self-titled album, which was released on April 2nd, is their follow up to 2012’s CoCo Beware and sports tracks that are decidedly more single friendly. The top single off the album, “In The City,” is low-key and dream inducing, with a small dose of synth to keep you on your toes. The band will be at the Black Cat on 6/19 so BE THERE. More singles from the album are available to stream on their soundcloud. If you’re in for a shoe-gazey time that won’t put you to sleep, the show is worth checking out.
words by Leah Norod

Brooklyn-based Swear and Shake deliver the kind of indie folk that makes you want to do cartwheels in a field of flowers. The quartet blends excellent female vocals with an easy banjo infused sound, and manages to give off a natural vibe while still well produced and professionally crafted. The lyrics are sweet and occasionally sorrowful, and the duets only add to the vulnerable yet powerful image. “These White Walls” is the EP’s highlight (and upcoming full length release Maple Ridge), but the whole thing could be the soundtrack to your humid DC summer picnic. Listen up and watch out for their show at The Hamilton on May 9th.

words by Leah Norod