Last Saturday, the gang and I headed out to the Velvet Lounge to see our friend’s band play and get a few drinks down on U St. I haven’t been feeling too hot lately due to biking in the cold, wet mornings, but I was really impressed from the set-up at the club and the groups that played. It actually made me forget about my sickness. It was just the kinda vibe I’m into; small, personal and a bit gritty. There was an upstairs where the music and dancing was, as well as a bar downstairs that had skateboarding playing on the tube, so you had something to look at when you didn’t feel like talking to your friends.
The cover charge was a cheap 8 bucks and the beers (at least Yeungers) were only 5 dollars a pop, which from my experience down on U, isn’t too shabby. Overall though, I found it a great club with good music and a good “young” vibe. Although this critique could be a tad biased, since the bar was full of acquaintances and good friends.
The band I was there to hear and support was the one and only UGLY.
My buddy Matt has been writing and singing songs for most of the time I’ve known him in college. His style is incredibly unique, but if I HAD to compare it to something, it’d go a little bit like this: with the mind and lyrical strength of Elliot Smith mixed in with the annunciation and pronunciation of Say Anything, Matt’s (of Ugly) songs are constantly flowing and keeping your attention with superior lyrical wit and melody that automatically catches your attention. The newly acquired band featuring some other friends of mine brought out Matt’s song writing abilities and melodies. The sheer power and feel of the solid bass, lead guitar and pounding drums made an audience who has never head them before, shake and sway in their musical wake.
Here are a few shots from the band.
Ugly- preparing for the next song
Matt Rappold– Lead Guitar
I gotta say boys, I usually am not that into bands my friends are in (I don’t know why; maybe it’s just my own personal mix of jealousy and envy) but I was SUPER IMPRESSED. Please check out this video; it ain’t the best quality, but it will give you a great insight into their feel and sound. WAIT TILL THE BREAK DOWN! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET IT!
I look forward to hearing more from these boys in the not so distant future!
The second band I caught was the Vermilions. Never heard of them before, but once again, I was impressed by young college kid musicians again for the second time in a night. They guys kinda reminded me a bit of the old Hives stuff, with shredding guitar and fast punchy pushy backup rhythm. For a three-piece, these boys knew how to rock it. Check out these sweaty rock and roll shots of these boys from Fredericksburg.
The Vermilions
Lead singer and shredder (apparently Matt’s (Ugly) freshman year roommate too!)
Great job guys! I’ll make sure to do a follow up on these groups in the future! Long live rock and roll.
Metro Area Local Music 