A lot of hard-working musicians came to the Hotel on Friday and gave an ever-changing crowd four (4!) serious, concise and meaningful doses of their most important commodities. H Street felt like the spoiled little bubble it’s been trying to become. Ravens and Chimes, The Epochs, Middle Distance Runner and Mobius Band played out their second to last dates of the year with some clean zeal and a counterpart of chunky variety. They each let us in on their highs and lows, and that was reflected in the tidal movements of the crowd. Or maybe that was from the alarming and intense camera, lighting equipment, and actors one of the bands (MDR?) was using for a music video shoot out front. Hard to tell—either way I’ve got some ground to cover so I might as well get started. In true BYT list style.

Ravens & Chimes. Fuck yes. A perfect segue from the Monday night big band show at the Cat was this Brooklyn six piece. Asher Lack led what I am going to call an ensemble through a precise and meaningful short set. The band had a modest mood that was quickly betrayed by their abilities. Their album is incredible—super honest and country and makes me wish I had a car to drive, in the rain, with yellow headlights and maybe some mist, you know, in the country. And their show had me daydreaming too, with solid harmonies from the two females and Asher, with a sometimes thumping rhythm, basic keys and a full mystic tone from a hollow body bass and guitar. To top off that sound was the first audible flute I’d ever witnessed, and it was partnered nicely by a full sound from a strong synth coming from the chatty and energetic Avery. The band had a sometimes clamoring old time sound with a lyric layer that was equally dark and fun. I experienced full on chills during their hometown song 11th street, and appreciated the humility in the two tracks about their experience recording (with Howard Bilerman) in Montreal. And, man wow, they just killed their Leonard Cohen cover, they were pulsing and giddy by the end of it.

The Epochs. The grinning Epochs bassist took a solid flask hit with a beer back seconds before the first chord. Totally had me thinking he was lame with the gimmick, but I relented later when I learned it was his birthday. Well, a band can drink whatever they want I guess, especially these guys. The full on seedy lounge vibe keys and vocals shifted my gears and got my attention and got me to get another beer. Then the drumbeats popped, and the guitarist started to move, a lot. And then: drum machine!? The sounds started to crack and smash I started to get it. Different for sure, with smooth transitions, unabashed pop debased with that drum smack I keep talking about; then impressive sporadic grittiness, and screaming vocals from both frontmen. Not to mention a drunk birthday boy in the back actually punching his bass. The two frontmen could make a mysterious harmony that glossed up the drum machine beautifully. They are a pretty glitzy bunch, with some expert vocals trading with impressive range, and an unexpected bluesy number. It was a high wire pop act that worked.

Middle Distance Runner. It was clear this act brought the crowd, and maybe some cameras, and their dads, and again, a big old crowd. They took that new energy in the room and churned it up into the heights we’ve come to expect. All smiles, often working each other up to the point of gleeful laughter—I felt like I was watching a crew of guys that had been working day in and day out enjoying the fruits of their labors. These guys were reveling, and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. Their live show is strong, and its clear their work ethic is too. They were so stoked and excitable that I started to feel tired for them. I’m sure you seem them everywhere; I know you do because they in fact are everywhere, on tour or in town. You could have been there, you would have danced, and you would have gotten to witness some local talent having a big old party with their friends and families.

Mobius Band. I have to say this trio struck me as being as seasoned on stage as the first three acts combined—and I don’t think they are all that much older as some of their openers. This is not a compliment or an insult on anyone. It was apparent this band was out there because it made them happy and they had a presence that made it clear they were just where they wanted to be. They were in no rush and in no perceptible mood other than to pay hard and well. And fuck, the clouds! The drummer pulled out an orchard of mic stands with these simple and huge Mario brothers cloud props taped to them. The atmosphere was set all over the stage, and some clear, fucking intense and somber and raging and crushing sounds poured out that cut so hard. I felt like they grew up with Sebadoh and split off and got their own drum machine! Two in one night! This band is so engaging, I was shocked the floor cleared so quick. But maybe everyone was off high-fiving MDR I thought until the last tune when those kids came out on stage and started moving those clouds around, elevating the mood even more in one last searing love song. And it doesn’t really have to end either: they share an alma mater with the stellar duo MGMT, who is coming to town in the middle of next month, and I have a feeling whatever magic their campus had is shared between the two small groups. Mobius band had some slow lost jams built up on reverb and thumping but just gleamed as a crown jewel of the night for me.

all photos: Aris Slater

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