BrightestYoungThings: Live DC: Au Revoir Simone, Jeff Lewis, The Antlers @ RNR Hotel

words and photos by Jane Briggs

Who wouldn't love a band that named themselves after a line in Pee Wee's Big Adventure? Last Saturday night, Au Revoir Simone (Annie, Erika, and Heather) graced the Rock N Roll Hotel with their ethereal sound and presence. They were preceded on stage by The Antlers, a new BYT favorite, and Jeff Lewis & The Junkyard, whose quirky and narrative lyrics quickly won me over.

A few shots of the Antlers:

I had never heard of the Jeff Lewis & The Junkyard before Saturday night, but was delighted to be introduced to these somewhat dorky, idiosyncratic guys from New York, Portland, and London. Their song about Ramen noodles was particularly compelling... And at one point, lead singer, Jeff Lewis, got on the ground and narrated a story about "Champion Jim," while showing us a cartoon slide-show about this made-up character. I pretty much loved it and the comic books that they had for sale at the merchandise table.

Jeff Lewis & The Junkyard:

Au Revoir Simone is not just easy on the eyes (always wearing perfect little dresses), their wistful sound is easy on the ears as well. While playing a bunch of songs off of their "The Bird of Music" album, each girl sleakly danced to her own synthesizer beat. And even though Annie Hart (who totally stole my glasses), was playing without her beloved Casio that night, the band put on a breath-taking show, completely mesmerizing the audience with their harmonies.