His lyrics are what shine throughout the EP. In the song “An Argument with Myself” Lekman beautifully narrates himself walking through Melbourne, Australia, lost and without enough cash for a taxi ride back, and surrounded by rowdy young backpackers. Lyrics like “And now I’m walking by Bev and Mick’s backpacker hostel on Victoria Street/Where it’s reggae night tonight/And the backpackers are pouring out like a tidal wave of vomit” convince me that Lekman is a poet, a modern day bard. I sense a short story within these lyrics because they paint an intriguing scenario so well.

“An Argument with Myself” is probably the best song on the EP. Lekman’s stunning lyricism in that song, however, does not carry over through the rest of the album. In the final “So This Guy at My Office” is as dull as you’d expect of everyday office gossip. Lekman disappointingly resorts to clichés “Lalalala . . . I love you” and overuses samples that I imagine were popular in department stores in the 80s.

Lekman, however, is honest. He is refreshingly honest, in fact. In his final song, he sings “I’m sorry I’m babbling,” which is exactly what he is doing in the last half of the EP. His more thought-out songs in the first half are expectedly much better music, so I appreciate his apology at the end because he’s capable of making great music . . . when he’s not just “babbling.”

– Soo Suh

Arabia Mountain is a surprisingly polished album coming from a band known more for their grittier, lo-fi sounds. It’s cleaner and more accessible, yet at the same time presents a plethora of different musical styles all woven together by their quirky psychedelic poppy theme.

The one of my favorite songs is the first song of the album. “Family Tree” begins with a fun, bizarre jiggle with drunken, angry vocals singing bitter lyrics: “It feels so cold walk with me / feel so cold / down by the family tree / Oh my God!” The edgy, yet oddly positive feel of the song was something fresh among the mostly happy-meandering tunes dominating the surf pop genre.  “Mad Dog” also impresses with its almost cute attitude problem. The jazzier elements of the song blend well with the band’s more typical punky sound. However, the next song, “Mr. Driver” fails to ride the momentum and drivels back to aimless, uninspired singing with a boring, typical melody.

Arabia Mountain succeeds when it instills edgy, yet innovative grit into their more pop influence music, which dominates the album. There are definite gems to be found, but unfortunately they are surrounded by duller stones.

– Soo Suh

Last Thursday, Painted Face opened for New York’s geek-chic pop stars Darwin Deez at the Black Cat’s main stage. The show was initially set to be held at the smaller backstage, but was moved to the main stage last minute.

This was a good move. The main stage was packed with energetic teenagers as soon as Darwin Deez started playing. The crowd for the opening band, however, was smaller, but supportive.  Their glam electro-pop synth-heavy songs were as delightful and dreamy as I remember they were in January, but the crowd didn’t seem too familiar with them. Their last concert at the Velvet Lounge was a veritable dance floor, but most people seemed to be saving their energy for Darwin Deez at the Black Cat.

For those who aren’t familiar with the openers: Painted Face is the moniker of Allie Alvarado, a D.C. based singer and songwriter originating from the Brooklyn art rock scene. She is a former member of the bands Telepathe and Blood Lines. She was accompanied by two other female members, one playing the bass, the other on the keyboards. All three were dressed in hip, 80-style outfits complementing their fun, 80s-inspired indie-pop songs, singing songs called “Girls in Love” and “Undreamt.”

Performance-wise, Allie was captivating with her odd, yet graceful movements completely in-sync with her music. You can really feel her passion. Too bad her other band members decided to stand stoically still during the performance. As one concert go-er commented, “They’re hot, but they need to be more energetic on stage.”

Darwin Deez started off with a bang with the very energetic, yet pretty-pop sounding, “Up in the Clouds.” The rather young crowd cheered loudly as they performed wacky choreographed dance routines before jamming into a song. I admit that while these little dances were very gimmicky, I found myself giggling at their innocent silliness.

Silly fun would be the best way to describe Darwin Deez’s performance. And I mean that as a compliment. While they’re a strictly indie-pop band dressed on Thursday like they were walking out of an American Apparel ad, these guys know how to seriously rock a show.  In fact, they were rocking out so hard that the tambourine broke mid-way through the concert. This was promptly followed by a burial ritual that involved another silly little dance routine for the late tambourine.

They closed out with fan favorite “Radar Detector” and played two more songs for the encore. Overall, it was a pop-infused night of teeny-bopping fun at the Black Cat. It actually made me feel a bit old.

– Soo Suh

Needless to say, I read the story. And I have no qualms about telling people that Esben and the Witch’s new album Violet Cries inspired me to do so. “Argyria”, the albums first song, begins with a couple minutes of atmospheric layers of low-pitched guitar and synths and ominous drumming. No vocals. When the singer Rachel Davies finally makes her entrance, she’s like a haunting, disembodied voice floating in and out of the song. A perfect way to set the tone for the following otherworldly, beautiful, nightmarish escape the album offers.

Esben and the Witch is a three-piece experimental rock band from Brighton, England. After releasing an EP 33 in 2009, they signed with Matador Records just a year ago. Violet Cries does an excellent job of establishing their unique sound, but is somewhat lacking in variety. Hopefully, they will be able to further develop their sound on their next album.

The spooky, mood-setting tone remains consistent as the album fluctuates from exposition, climax, and a final denouement. Indeed, listening to the album from beginning to end feels like you’re experiencing a folktale with witches, spells, and haunted woods narrated by Ms. Davies’ ghostly Siouxsie Sioux-like voice. In the meandering “Light Streams”, she mumbles and rants about how she’ll “hunt the one that burnt out the beacon.” Later on in “Hexagons IV”, the lyrics become inscrutable as she chants away some sort of spell as if she were possessed.

Violet Cries has no catchy tunes or hooks. Instead, it relishes long buildups of dark, ambient background grumbles, which then transforms into a climax as Davies starts wailing louder and the drums pick up the tempo. If you have the patience, this album definitely delivers a deliciously gothic, otherworldly affair.

– Soo Suh

It’s a long weekend. Filled with lots of great concert options! Take a break from midterms and have some well-deserved fun!

Thursday

Indie poppers Darwin Deez and Painted Face are at the Black Cat tonight. New York’s Darwin Deez is Darwin Smith and his band. Smith is like Napoleon Dynamite who went to a liberal arts college and turned into a hipster. With his goofy hair and even goofier dance moves, he makes nerd totally chic. They describe their music as influenced by everything from Thriller to Emergency & I.  Painted Face (from Brooklyn, now based in DC) plays dreamy, synth-heavy pop with a darker twist. Intriguing.

Friday

It’s going to be almost 70 degrees apparently. Great day to go see Rooneys of Southern California at the Rock and Roll Hotel. This five-piece power pop/rock band has been compared to The Beatles, The Cars, Jellyfish, and Blur.  Sunny beach-friendly Cali-pop for a Spring-like Friday evening after months of dreadful cold weather?  Yes please.

They play with Eisley and The Old Ceremony whose mysterious noir rock should spice up the whole affair.

Saturday

Two great local options:

Tennis System plays at the Velvet Lounge, and Modern Man plays at the Rock and Roll Hotel. For psychedelic, yet loud and exciting shoegaze accompanied by a driving bass line and gentle vocals, head to Velvet Lounge. For some pure rock and roll, head to the hotel. Modern Man plays with two other DC-based rock bands, Rival Skies and Prisms.

– Soo Suh

Thursday

Georgetown’s very own Mercies plays at the Black Cat! It’s their third ever gig, but they’re cool enough to land gigs at DC’s finest venues such as the Velvet Lounge and Red Palace before heading over to the Black Cat for tonight’s concert. The band is made up of three members from three Georgetown bands (City Folk, Little Bigheart & the Wilderbeast, and Stout Cortez). Haven’t heard of them? Well, check out tonight’s concert for some edgy Wire-esque rock and a great time.

They play with Jake Troth.

Friday

Baths and Braids at Rock and Roll Hotel.  Baths and Braids. Braids and Baths. Sounds like the name of some random shop on M Street, doesn’t it? Baths is the stage name for Will Wiesenfeld, who plays relaxing, yet interesting chillwave love songs similar to Toro Y Moi and Passion Pit. His sunbathing electronica tunes will make you want to dance around on a lovely beach half-naked and ignore the frightful weather outside. Braids is an art rock band from Canada. Their mesmerizing dream pop should feel perfectly in sync the Bath’s chillaxing sounds.

Saturday

DC stalwarts Deleted Scenes and Wild Nothing also play at the Rock and Roll Hotel this weekend for a very indie night of indie rock. Deleted Scenes are similar to the Dismemberment Plan (also from DC) and has been compared to the Talking Heads as well as Modest Mouse. Wild Nothing will warm you up with some lovely, fuzzy, dreamy indie pop.

They play with Abe Vigoda.

Another option is NYC’s Postelles with their 50s influenced garage pop at the Red Palace.

– Soo Suh

Runners-up get prizes, but only the champion gets a huge, shiny trophy and, of course, all the fame and glory.

If you want to compete as a DJ, email events@georgetown.edu. If not, show up, dance a little booty off, and participate in the general mayhem.