Store News

Store Update: Bless, Coup Sauvage & the Snips

02.24.17

Bless - S/T

Seven songs by bizzaro Washington, D.C. rock outfit, Bless. Skewed guitar riffs that at times recall Devo, but also the more eccentric reaches of the Teenbeat Records family. Lineup includes members of Flasher, Cool People, Dudes, and Big Hush. "I Want It" is a pretty great. You can preview this release digitally here. (Recommended)

Coup Sauvange & the Snips - Heirs to Nothing

The debut album by Washington, D.C. dance/pop outfit, Coup Sauvage & the Snips. Weirdo house-party music with electronic rhythms and call and response vocals. Features Jason Barnett of Gauche and Hott Beat.

Store Update: Jason Simon

01.12.17

Jason Simon - Familiar Haunts

The second solo album by Dead Meadow guitarist, Jason Simon. Eight stripped down folk songs soaked in reverb and augmented with lo-fi psychic jewelry. Preview or purchase this record digitally here. Recommended.

Store Update: Rain Like the Sound of Trains

12.01.16

KAG - EP A

The solo debut by Priests singer and Sister Polygon Records co-proprietor, Katie Alice Greer. Lo-fi electronics and samples conjure suburban isolation and alienation. Give it a listen online or buy digitally here.

Title Tracks - Long Dream

The third full-length by Washington, D.C.-based power-pop outfit, Title Tracks. Founded in 2008 by John Davis (Q and Not U), the band has released two full-length records on Ernest Jennings as well as a two song single on Dischord. At present, the band is a trio featuring Davis as well as bassist Michael Cotterman (Loved Ones) and drummer Elmer Sharp. You can preview the record online here.

Flasher - S/T

Originally released on cassette earlier this year, Sister Polygon has now reissued Flasher’s seven song debut EP on vinyl. Formed in 2015, Flasher is Taylor Mulitz (Priests), Daniel Saperstein (Bless), and Emma Baker (Big Hush). Excellent minimalist post-punk that channels Wire as well as Teenbeat heavies like Unrest. Recommended.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: Rain Like the Sound of Trains

09.28.16

Rain Like the Sound of Trains - Singles

This record compiles all eight songs from the band's three original 7"s. Formed in 1993, Rain Like the Sound of Trains was Bobby Sullivan (Soulside), Doug Birdzell (Beefeater), Pete Chramiec, and Josh Larue.

Pearie Sol - S/T

The debut cassette by Washington, DC's Pearie Sol (Gauche, Teen Liver). Lo-fi loner tunes that at times recall the work of Half Japanese and Suicide. Preview this release or purchase digitally here.

Store Update: Motion Graphics, Ocobaya

09.08.16

Motion Graphics - Brass Mechanics

Two minimalist compositions for digital reed instruments by Brooklyn-based composer, Motion Graphics (aka Joe Williams). Released on Washington, D.C.’s Future Times records. Preview the tracks online here.

Ocobaya - Messix

The debut EP from Ocobaya. Lush and hypnotic synthesizer music by Mike Petillo and Aaron Leitko, who also work together under the name Protect-U. Released by D.C.-based label 1432R. Preview two songs here

Store Update: Oswego

08.10.16

Oswego - S/T

Hamburg’s Arctic Rodeo Recordings has reissued the complete works of Oswego on double LP. Oswego was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1999 and included members of Kerosene 454, Most Secret Method, and Vita Bruno. The group released two records on Bcore Disc – the Just Getting Warmed Up EP (2000) and a self-titled full-length (2002). This double LP reissue collects both discs and marks the first time that these songs have been made available on vinyl.

Store Update: Zomes

07.20.16

Zomes - Who Shall Be The Sun

A new cassette by Baltimore-based duo Zomes featuring recitations of works by poet David Wagoner set to minimal music. “Who Shall Be The Sun” is the band’s second release on its own Near Unison imprint. (Recommended)

Store Update: Beauty Pill

06.13.16

Beauty Pill - Beauty Pill Describes Things As They Are

Beauty Pill’s second full-length album, released in 2015 by Butterscotch Records. Years in the making, Describes Things As They Are finds songwriter Chad Clark augmenting his arrangements with electronic rhythms, horn arrangements, and noise. This pressing is on translucent red vinyl.

Store Update: Sunwolf

05.26.16

Sunwolf - Follow The Dreamers

Washington, D.C.-based trio Sunwolf has a new LP, Follow The Dreamers , which is out now via their own label, El Rey Records. Though the project started as a solo outlet for bassist/singer Rob “Kalani” Tifford, the band – which also includes singer/guitarist Tom Bunnell (Felt Letters) and drummer Jerry Busher (Fugazi, French Toast) -- has since grown into a more collaborative affair. (Recommended)

Store Update: Benjy Ferree, Day After D.C., Flasher

04.28.16

Benjy Ferree Cry-Fi

The third full-length from PG County, MD-bred singer-songwriter, Benjy Ferree. Now relocated to New Orleans, Ferree delivers an album about heartbreak and renewal, albeit with a slightly gonzo touch and a lot of synthesizers. Features contributions from D.C.-based multi-instrumentalist, Mark Cisneros (Deathfix, Medications, Kid Congo Powers).

Tim Follos and Hussain Mohammed Day After D.C.

A collection of show reviews, interviews, and photographs chronicling the Washington, D.C. music scene between 2005 and 2013. The book includes interviews with Ian MacKaye, Chris Moore, Dave Brockie, and Ian Svenonius, as well as reviews of bands like Sick Fix, Give, Body Cop, Coke Bust, and many more.

Flasher S/T

The debut cassette by Washington, D.C. trio Flasher. Formerly known as Young Trynas, the band includes members of Priests and Big Hush. Jagged post-punk riffs dusted with stomp-box haze. (Recommended)

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: The Landlords, Passing Phases, Domingues and Kane

03.16.16

The Landlords Fitzgerald’s Paris

A reissue of the second LP by Charlottesville, VA punk band, The Landlords. Recorded at Inner Ear studios in 1984, this pressing has been restored from the original master tapes and includes a complimentary download featuring bonus studio material and a live set recorded at CBGB’s in 1985. (Recommended)

Passing Phases Fitzgerald’s Paris

10 new songs from Sterling, VA's Passing Phases. Guitar-driven pop music that sometimes recalls the Replacements and Big Star. The group features members of the groups Pizza and Pygmy Lush. Preview the whole record here.

Domingues and Kane Gut + Voltage

A collection of works by this D.C.-based neo-classical duo featuring Amy Domingues (Garland of Hours, Threnody Ensemble) and Dennis Kane (Tone, Soccer Team). Eight pieces that pair the 15th century instrument viola da gamba with textures generated by an analog synthesizer.

Store Update: Two Inch Astronaut, Mark Beemer, Robert Moss

02.05.16

Two Inch Astronaut Personal Life

The third full-length from Colesville, MD-bred trio, Two Inch Astronaut. Recorded by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines) at Magpie Cage in Baltimore and released by Exploding in Sound Records. Preview the song "Good Behavior" here. (Recommended).

Mark Beemer Stealing Time: 23 Years of Punk Images

An expanded reissue of Mark Beemer's long out of print photo book. Includes concert and portrait photographs of Bluetip, Circus Lupus, Engine Down, Fugazi, Nation of Ulysses, Henry Rollins, Darkest Hour, and many more.

Robert Moss Descending Memphis

A detective story/coming-of-age story written by Robert R. Moss, former member of Artificial Peace and Government Issue.

Store Update: Birth (Defects), Des Ark

12.18.15

Birth (Defects) S/T

A two song 7" by Baltimore and Washington, D.C.-based noise rock outfit, Birth (Defects). Released via Reptilian Records, this single is limited to 300 copies. You can preview the song "Ascetic" here.

Des Ark Everything Dies

The third full-length from Pittsboro, NC-based singer/songwriter, Aimee Argote, better known as Des Ark. Released in 2015 by Graveface Records.

Store Update: Dan Higgs, Ian Svenonius

11.25.15

Daniel Higgs VIV

An album of expansive songs and banjo improvisations by Lungfish singer, Daniel Higgs. Recorded last year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and released as a joint effort between the labels Desmonta and Unwork in 2015. Limited to 300 copies on black vinyl.

Ian Svenonius Censorship Now!!

The second collection of essays by musician/thinker/revolutionary, Ian Svenonius (Make-Up, Chain & the Gang). In this volume, the author examines a number of of-the-moment topics, including self-veneration through rock-doc, the gentrification of punk, and the film Heathers. Censorship Now!! is available in a signed hardbound special edition and also as a paperback.

Store Update: Marriage, Cigarette

10.21.15

Marriage Pool Blunt

The second full-length from Austin, Texas-based quintet, Marriage, which includes former Black Eyes drummer, Mike Kanin. As with the band’s earlier work, the music is heavy on percussion and distortion – a shifting balance of drums and lo-fi psychedelic gristle, of order and madness. Recommended.

Cigarette Chapel Songs

Four songs and five interludes by Washington, DC's Cigarette. Romantic and reverb-laden pop music recorded more-or-less live at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church by Kevin Erickson.

Store Update: Fountainsun, Pre-Moon Syndrome

09.02.15

Fountainsun Music Today

Music Today is the debut record by Fountainsun, a duo featuring Daniel Higgs (Lungfish) and Fumie Ishii. Recorded last year in Big Sur, California, the record collects 11 songs – some drawing on simple folk melodies, others guided by Higgs’ epic poetry. Music Today is surreal and heady, but surprisingly intimate. This version of the record has been pressed on translucent green vinyl.

V/A Pre-Moon Syndrome

Originally released in 1989, this record compiles live tracks recorded during the week-long Pre-Moon Syndrome concert series, which took place at DC Space in September of that same year. The LP includes contributions from Lungfish, Velocity Girl, Go Team, Whorl, Unrest, among others. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit We Are Family DC.

Store Update: Dead Meadow, Loud Boyz

08.11.15

Dead Meadow Howls From The Hills

The second full-length from Washington, DC-bred psych-rock trio, Dead Meadow. Originally released by Joe Lally's Tolotta Records in 2001 and long out of print, the band has now reissued the album on LP via their own Xemu Records imprint.

Loud Boyz Tough Love Hard Feelings

The 11-song debut from DC-based hard rock quintet, Loud Boyz. Out courtesy of Cricket Cemetery Records. You can preview the entire record online here.

Store Update: Titfield Thunderbolt, Clean Girls

07.01.15

Titfield Thunderbolt S/t

A reissue of the one-and-only single from early '70s Richmond, VA-based out-music ensemble, Titfield Thunderbolt. Re-released by Steady Sounds, this pressing is accompanied by an additional disc of previously unreleased material, some of which was culled from the original recording session.

Clean Girls Despite You

The debut full-length from Brooklyn via Williamsburg, VA noise-rock trio, Clean Girls. Eight songs that draw from heavy metal and vintage noise rock, mixing feedback and distortion with pummeling rhythms.

Store Update: Red Death, Wing Dam

05.22.15

Red Death Permanent Exile

The debut full-length from Washington, DC-based quartet, Red Death. Thrash infused hardcore that refines and develops the sounds established on the band’s demo and contribution to the Red Line compilation. This record is available to stream or buy digitally here.

Wing Dam House Boat b/w All For

Two songs by Baltimore, Maryland-based three-piece, Wing Dam. Heavy guitar pop that takes sonic cues from the fuzzier end of '90s alt rock. Released by Brooklyn-based label, Slow Knife.

Store Update: Pinkwash, Putrisect

04.17.15

Pinkwash Cancer Money b/w Skin

Two songs by heavy punk duo, Pinkwash. Though currently based in Philadelphia, the band has strong DC roots, as singer/guitarist Joey Doubek and drummer Ashley Arnwine both performed in local outfits Mass Movement of the Moth and Ingrid. Pinkwash is, in many ways, an extension of the latter, focusing on loud, cathartic and repetitive music. Released by Priests’ Sister Polygon Records. Preview these songs here

Putrisect Chaos Awaits

The debut EP from Baltimore-based quintet, Putrisect. Four songs that take inspiration from death metal and hardcore punk, but also make use of droney atmospheric sludge and feedback.

Store Update: Jawbox, Dead Meadow

03.20.15

Jawbox - My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents

Originally released on CD by DeSoto in 1998, My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents gathers a number of hard to find odds and sods recorded throughout Jawbox’s eight-year existence. The collection has now been pressed to vinyl for the first time ever by Germany's Arctic Rodeo Recordings as a purple-swirl colored double LP. The track list includes the band's 1994 Peel Session as well as previously unreleased studio recordings, four songs drawn from a live set taped at HFStival in 1996, and a number of covers. There’s a few extras in there, too: a CD version of the album and two large booklets with never before seen photos and a complete list of Jawbox's performances.

Dead Meadow - Peel Sessions

Recorded in 2000 in Arlington, VA, Dead Meadow's six-song Peel Session is among the only session recordings that the much-loved radio presenter allowed to be taped outside of the UK (at the time, the band had no money to travel abroad). This record also includes demo takes of "Golden Cloud" and "White Worm" which recorded around the same time, though in a different session. It’s worth picking up for the fairly epic take of “Indian Bones” alone, though.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: Daniel Higgs, Young Trynas

02.12.15

Daniel Higgs - The Book of Antennae

This pocket-size volume collects a number of poems and written works by Lungfish vocalist, Daniel Higgs. Self-published in a limited edition during the early ’00s and long since out-of-print, the book has now been reissued by Chicago-based imprint Featherproof Books. From the publisher: “[The book] rewards repeated readings by revealing the Language of Nature, The Nature of Spirit, The Spirit of Science, The Science of Love, The Love of The Occult, and The Occult of Language.”

Young Trynas - Probably Music

Five songs by Baltimore, MD based punk/hardcorre outfit, Young Trynas. Originally released on cassette in an extremely limited edition, White Denim has reissued this record as a 7" single. Features Taylor Mulitz of Washington, DC's Priests on vocals and guitar. You can preview this release here.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: The Make-Up, The Gotobeds, Thee Goochi Boiz

01.08.15

The Make Up - Sound Verite

The Make Up’s second full-length LP, recorded by Calvin Johnson at Dub Narcotic Studio during a brief stop-over in Olympia, WA in 1996. Sound Verite finds the band in a raw and spontaneous mindset, with all songs having been composed on the spot. Includes unstoppable classics, “Make Up Is Lies” and “Hot Coals.” “Turn on to the idea of Sound Verite and understand that the struggle of culture vs. Make-Up is the struggle vs. Destiny. The struggle to stop history itself,” writes K Records, refusing to understate the record’s significance.

The Gotobeds - Poor People Are Revolting

The debut full-length from Pittsburgh, PA quartet, The Gotobeds. Excellent post-punk tunes that take some general inspiration from Wire, The Fall, and Wipers as well as contemporary heavies like Tyvek and Total Control. Originally released on LP by 12XU, this cassette version has been made available via Accidental Guest Recordings. Recommended.

Thee Goochi Boiz - Oops/Fast Food For the Teenage Soul

This LP compiles the first two records from Boulder, Colorado garage rock outfit, Thee Goochi Boiz. Fine skuzzy and snotty lo-fi pop. Both releases were previously available only on cassette via Burger Records.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: Two Inch Astronaut, Zomes, Grave Walks

12.10.14

Two Inch Astronaut - Foulbrood

The first proper full-length from Silver Spring, Maryland trio, Two Inch Astronaut. Ten songs that sometimes recall the sounds of DC-area bands like Bluetip and Shudder to Think, but that also possess a slightly skewed melodic sensibility that transcends those influences. Stream this LP here. Recommended.

Zomes - Variations Vol. 1

This is a vinyl reissue of Variations Vol. 1, a collection of improvised organ pieces by Lungfish guitarist Asa Osborne that was originally released on cassette in 2012 by Imminent Frequencies. Deeply meditative and stripped down, it’s some of Asa’s finest work under the Zomes name. Limited edition of 300 copies on white vinyl.

Grave Walks - She’s a Suicide

A one-off collaboration between Swami Records alumni Dan Sartain and Jacob Turnbloom (of San Diego psych-pop outfit, Mrs. Magician). Two gloomy garage-pop tunes that take inspiration from ’50s b-movies and horror flicks.

- Aaron Leitko

Store Update: Ancient VVisdom, Wormwood, Beastmilk

10.24.14

Ancient VVisdom - Sacrificial

The third full-length from Cleveland, Ohio-based death-rock ensemble, Ancient VVisdom. On Sacrificial, the band backs away from the occult-folk style that guided its previous effort and embraces the sound of ’80s heavy metal.

Beastmilk - White Stains on Black Wax

A re-issue of a three-song single by Finnish outfit, Beastmilk. Music that takes influence from early ’80s post-punk acts like Bauhaus and Joy Division. Originally released on vinyl in 2011 by the Finnish label, Svart.

Wormwood - S/t

The full-length debut from Boston-based sludge/doom ensemble, Wormwood (which features members of Doomriders). Dark and intense reverb-soaked music that was recorded, mixed, and mastered 100% analog.

Store Update: Roomrunner, Jail Solidarity

10.20.14

Roomrunner - Separate

Six new songs from Baltimore-based quartet, Roomrunner. Recorded with J Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines), these songs find the band taking up a more collaborative approach to songwriting and shifting toward a more overtly melodic sound. It’s still plenty heavy, though. Recommended. You can preview the songs here.

Jail Solidarity - Pretty Good Privacy

The second cassette EP from Washington, DC-based trio, Jail Solidarity. Four slow, and sludgy songs featuring former members of D.C.-based outfits Body Cop and Mary Christ.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: The Ar-Kaics, Brief Weeds, Paint Branch, The Make-Up

09.02.14

Brief Weeds - Songs of Innocence and Experience

Brief Weeds was a project formed by Guy Picciotto, Brendan Canty, Michael Hampton, and Eddie Janney. This four-song single was the band’s second released and was released by K Records in 1993, but the music was recorded earlier, during the late ’80s. Though all four performed together in either Rites of Spring or One Last Wish, Brief Weeds was a very different type of thing – spontaneous home recorded music that was heavily informed by ’60s psychedelic pop.

Paint Branch - I Wanna Live

After a series of production delays, Paint Branch’s debut album I Wanna Live -- which was released digitally last year -- is finally available on LP. The record reunites Chris Richards and John Davis, both formerly of Q and Not U, for 11 vocal harmony-heavy and acoustic guitar-driven songs. Recorded by Chad Clark, of Beauty Pill, and limited to 200 copies courtesy of Cricket Cemetery Records.

The Ar-Kaics - S/t

The full-length debut LP from Richmond, VA trio, The Ar-Kaics. Thirteen excellently executed and slightly spaced-out garage-rock songs that stand up alongside the deepest Pebbles and Nuggets cuts. Features members of The Shirks

The Make Up - Save Yourself

The Make-Up’s fourth studio album. Originally released in 1999, it’s now back in print on LP via K Records. Includes much-loved songs like, “C’mon, Let’s Spawn” and “I Am Pentagon.”

(Aaron Leitko)

Dinged Bluetip, Branch Manager, Trusty, Fire Party LPs Now Available at Discount

06.09.14

We recently found a number of old stock LPs with lightly dinged covers. In most cases, it’s just normal wear and tear from being on the shelf for a while. Below, you can find a list of these titles for sale at a slightly reduced price.

$8:

Bluetip – Join Us

Branch Manager – Anything Tribal

Branch Manager – S/T

Trusty – The Fourth Wise Man

Holy Rollers – As Is

$7

Fire Party – S/T

Store Update: Downtown Boys, The Apes, Ar-Kaics, Mrs. Magician

05.15.14

Downtown Boys - S/t

Four fast and chaotic saxophone-driven punk rock songs from Providence, RI-based sextet, Downtown Boys. Recorded by Priests guitarist G.L. at Swim Two Birds in Washington, D.C. and released via Sister Polygon Records. Recommended, but if you don’t want to take my word for it, there’s a nice little write up on it over at Yellow Green Red.

The Ar-Kaics - Make It Mine

Two more moody garage rock tunes from Richmond, VA-based trio, The Ar-Kaics, which features former/current members of Chain & the Gang and The Shirks.

The Apes - Bodies

These brand new recordings from D.C.’s much-missed heavy rock outfit, The Apes, find the band reunited with their original vocalist, Paul Weil, for the first time since 2005. Heavy on the fuzz and creepy, wheezing keyboard tones, both songs – “Bodies” and “Ooop Ahhh” – are about as weird and excellent as anything the band released during its initial run.

Mrs. Magician - Friday Night

Tasteful, but retro-minded ’60s-style pop with gloomy undertones from San Diego, CA. These two songs follow up the band’s debut LP, Strange Heaven, which arrived in 2012 via Swami Records.

(Aaron Leitko)

Store Update: Puff Pieces, The Wedding Dress, Skull Defekts, Coup Sauvage & the Snips

04.17.14

Puff Pieces – 4-Songs

Mike Andre and Justin Moyer – both formerly of Antelope – formed Puff Pieces with Amanda Huron (Caution Curves, Vertebrates) in 2012. Since then, the band has popped up regularly on bills in D.C., performing a unique, high-anxiety brand of minimalist music. This four-song single was recorded, mixed, and mastered in just four hours with Devin Ocampo (Medications, Faraquet). You can check out the song “New Nazis” here.

The Wedding Dress – Loom/Heavy Earth

The Wedding Dress is an outlet for the songs that Maps & Atlases guitar player, Erin Elders writes during his "math-pop" band's fleeting downtime. It’s a distinctly different affair, though -- more layered, plaintive and measured than anything else in his catalog. The 7" is a limited edition teaser for a full-length due out in the fall.

Skull Defekts – Dances in Dreams of the Known Unknown

Dances in Dreams of the Known Unknown is the third release from Swedish experimental/punk quartet Skull Defekts to be made in collaboration Daniel Higgs (Lungfish, The Pupils). Here, Higgs joins vocalists Joachim Nordwall and Daniel Fagerstroem in a set of songs that draw from psychedelic music, punk, folk dances, and free improvisation. It's a worthy successor to their 2011 effort, Peer Amid, which was also released via Chicago's Thrill Jockey Records.

Coup Sauvage & The Snips – Sneaks

The debut single from Washington, DC-based ensemble, Coup Sauvage & the Snips. Two electronic pop songs that draw equal inspiration from of '60s Motown, '70s European variety TV, and the "Solid Gold" dancers from the '80s.