BrightestYoungThings: Live DC: Lode Runner / Fever / Wild Fictions @ Velvet Lounge

My original plan for Friday was to attend the Swedish Embassy's "House of Sweden After Dark." But after catching word that there would probably be a line stretching round the block, I decided to rubbish that plan and head over to Velvet Lounge to see one of the best shows I've seen in a long time...

It was about 10:15 PM and the downstairs bar was packed. Classic hits fro the early 90s blared over the PA system, and it seemed as though Schlitz beer and tall vodka cranberry cocktails were the evening’s drink of choice.

Suddenly, Brock Boss, my bandmate and partner in crime in Ra Ra Rasputin, parted the crowd, cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted “FIRST BAND IS ON!!!!”

His human megaphone approach seemed to work, as we were all upstairs within a couple of minutes.

Lode Runner was originally a duo consisting of Scott and Eddie. But because they rehearse at the same space as Ra Ra, it was inevitable that there would be some cross-pollination between the two groups. On this particular evening, Lode Runner was joined by the Brock (guitar, keys, vocals), Ken (Drums, Percussion) and Haley of the Invisible Husbands. Considering how diverse everyone’s tastes are, I was really really impressed at how well it worked out. The music veered from Giorgio Moroder damaged post-punk to erratic No-Wave percussive freakouts. In other words, it was kind of like New Order (circa Movement) gettin' down with James White and the Blacks. While I have the chance to hear these guys anytime I want, I was really feelin’ their performance that night.

Now, some readers might recognize Justin and Alex from the infamous Gold Leaf shindigs. But it would be a crime to dismiss these two as being DC's versions of Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager. They are musicians, and pretty good ones at that. As, Fever, they play a raw and stripped down version of the sunny and enjoyable pop that got Georgie James critical acclaim last summer. But I must confess, one of the reasons I really like watching these guys is their clothes. When I saw the fellas milling around during soundcheck, I was instantly envious of their cool jackets, cowboy boots and good hair. I know, it's very superficial, but I really like seeing well-dressed groups perform.

Last on the roster was Wild Fictions. And unfortunately, I could only stick around for a few songs because I had to meet for a late dinner. No offense to the group, but my man was going home to Berlin and I have no idea when I’ll see him next. Regardless, I liked what I heard and I’ve made it a point to try and attend their next performance. I even managed to get a couple of decent shots of the group.