Nootropics is an album built like a glacier. Layers of chill slowly fall upon one another, blending into the last section, over and over, until collectively they form something striking. The latest effort of Baltimore-based band Lower Dens, Nootropics presents a similar atmosphere to another Baltimore-based band – Beach House. On the opening track, "Alphabet Song," vocalist Jana Hunter could easily be mistaken for Victoria Legrand. The album itself is a slow ride, tracks sliding into each other, swirling with drones and simple guitar work. According to Hunter, "Alphabet Song," "and singles "Brains" and "Propogation" exemplify the theme of the album, which is the both the betterment and deterioration of humanity through science and change. Nootropics captures that dichotomy by conveying a myriad of quiet emotions. – allison levin

The Onion AV Club nailed it when they described DC's indie psyche sludge post-punk trio Caustic Casanova as "uniquely brainy hard rock, heavy yet clever in a Torche meets Dismemberment Plan kind of way." That sound clearly eminates on their recent release Someday You Will Be Proven Correct (Mad Love Records) with 12 tracks drawing in numerous elements of rock. 

If Jackass comes back around with another sequel, then "Hail Fellow Well Met" should be included on the soundtrack as it sounds like the lovechild of CKY and H.I.M. at times, and kinda makes me want to ride a shopping cart through Occupy K St.  

"Bulwark", the stand-out track in my opinion, has a tinge of 90's alt and a darker undertone compared to the other tracks. Then the breakdowns kick in fuck-yeah style as the lyrics "whether coming or going, I want to be where you are, sleep safe tonight" are crooned and echoed over the piles of scuzz and fuzz.

"17:59",a superb instrumental, is the pivotal sludge build-up track that when played live will most likely get you visiting the merch table, or  walking out of the venue post show with a new local favorite on your mind and a download waiting to happen at home... -Dawn
 

I’ve been following Lightfoot for some time now, so it’s no surprise that I’ve been anxiously awaiting Jessica Dye and company’s first full-length release, Scarlet Sails.

The album includes three brand new songs and new productions (vast improvements with layer upon layer of additional reverberating goodness) of the three songs from their last release, People Who Throw Kisses Are Hopelessly Lazy.

Lightfoot’s music draws heavily on influences of the 50s, 60s, and 70s without specifically pigeonholing themselves into any one era. There are traces of 60s psychedelic garage rock on the opening track, “Pow Wow”, there’s sensible dancehall doo-wop dripping all over the empowered “City Girls”, and “Caged Bird” echoes a version of New Orleans gospel that manages to be lamenting yet remorseless. Ironically, the song least remniscent of the era is titled “1963” in case you somehow missed all the signs along the way.

Jessica Dye’s voice has always been seductive and powerful, but the production of Scarlet Sails and the thoughtfully layered arrangements really bring her vocal emotion to the forefront. Throaty growls, breathy confessions, and belting choruses all find their place on these tracks amidst bold guitar lines, moody brass, and a full spectrum of percussion.

If I have any criticism of the album, it's the brevity – I would have loved a few more songs to develop the album’s mood further. However, as it stands, this is a very strong release from a great, young band. Highly recommended! -Jarrett

MIXTVPE, the second EP from electronica/post-hyphy artist HVZEL  is hands down astonishing.  DC has itself a contender in the witch house race with HVZEL leading the way.  MIXTVPE brings forth 5 booming tracks that ooze eerie keys amongst a haze of intense bass and warbly voices.

"Executioner" nods to the theme of The Exorcist while adding a flair of morbid hip hop beats and speaker blowing keys. "Transfiguration" is the long lost sister of a Salem B-side, haunting and beautiful. "Medium" is a digital explosion, with keys screeching in full on anarchy mode before breaking down into a smooth shoulder swayer.

Crank this EP all the way up- it's fucking awesome! -Dawn

Arlington VA's darkwave duo Screen Vinyl Image emerge again with electronic shoegaze splendor in Strange Behavior (released Dec 2011.) IMO, Kim and Jake Ried are at the top of the leader-board when it comes to their genre, and after a listen- I think the SVI audience would agree.

One could simply spin this entire record at a Goth Prom night and have the place jumping with doom & gloom in SVI's catchy rhythms as heard in "Revival", a gothic boom layered in pumping beats and fuzzy guitars. And "Rx" hits even darker notes, welcoming a good ol'fashioned blood rave.

"Stay Asleep" gets beautiful with lush guitars oozing over that beat that keeps you swaying on the dancefloor, before pushing through into another realm of intoxicating synth swirls and hallucinogenic vocal reverbs. Acoustic guitars come in on "My Confession" as Jake's echoes melt into the atmosphere that remains from "Stay Asleep." Chilling yet soothing, and dark as all hell. -Dawn