all words and photos by Dakota Fine
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Ok, so I'm biased, I'll admit it. I have traveled with the band, they are my good friends and I've photographed them many times. It seems we as photographers often develop a soft spot for particular bands, we are after all human and eventually, friendship taking its toll, we trend towards following and covering the bands we love.
That having been said, U.S. Royalty, is one of DC's finest, and most closely followed, up-and-coming bands. There is so much of a buzz to these kids that film makers, videographers, record producers, managers, historic mansion owners, and yes, even the Washington Post, are snapping to get a piece.
Following up on the Post's announcement that USR would be playing the Toutorsky Mansion on Thursday night, the band completely packed the house for a performance that was intended, at least in part, to promote the release of their new video, Rats:
The video itself being quite an impressive piece, I thought the showing could have been executed in a way that probably would have left a lot more of an impression, however, whatever attention the airing of the video lacked was made up for by the sheer exhilaration of the band in their performance. The crowd also, clearly feeling that energy, responded with enthusiasm.
It must be said that there is nothing quite like a house party show. The intimacy, and the energy of the crowd, on top of the band, on top of the crowd, on top of the band, makes for a feeling for those witnessing a sense of immediacy, that you are participating in something truly exceptional. And compound that with the extreme luxury and beauty of the Toutorsky Mansion, and well, you pretty much have a show that I expect to look back upon with great fondness for a long time to come.
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And finally, here's a little video I took during the song "Raincoats," to give you a little sense of what it felt like to be in the midst of that show.
Young Lords, of New York fame, opened for USR, here are a few shots from their performance:
Previously in Live DC:
- 5/25: LiveDC: The Polyphonic Spree @ Sixth & I
- 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
- 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
- 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
- 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
- 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
- 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
- 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
- 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
- 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
God loves a cheerful giver.
http://www.latfh.com/post/128119157/seriously-though-why-am-i-hugging-drew
In listening to the music video at the same time as I scroll through the pictures, I feel like I'm there. Except instead of being covered in mine and other peoples sweat, I have my feet up and the air on. Thanks for bringing the show to the comfort of my own home!
jesus. that site makes me so glad I'd banned from everywhere. sucks that John's included tho.
I think everyone is over that picture. You can almost count on someone posting it whenever USR is mentioned.
Anywho, this show/party is yet another reason why I need to get my ass in gear and move back north.
Great shots. Great music.
that USR video is the first time I've heard these guys.
Great stuff.
Thanks!
This show was the best USR show yet! Awesome time with an eclectic group of indie scenesters, local band posses, hot chicks and did I mention the free Flying dog keg beer and USR wine?! It was great. When can we do it all again?!!
...I only wish i had a chance to change out of my work clothes for the show...grrr.
BIG shout out to the Young Lords---they were GREAT!
PS---john being posted on latfh.com was great---saw that on friday. hehee.
Man, I've been in my little mopedlords bubble for so long - I've met all these guys and had beers with them but hadn't heard their material. The video is as well executed as the song is - refreshing that, for once, that a band seems to live up to the hype, at least at first glance. Wish I could've made the show...
Great pics, Dakota. Per usual.
Amazing photos, you capture this band like no other . . .
sexy fitsum, time to look inward. why do you suppose you are banned from everywhere? is it cuz everywhere sucks? or is it cuz you're a violent drunk idiot who disrespects women and attacks people when he's had a few too many guinness? there is no conspiracy, nor is your citywide banning a badge of pride. its time for you to move.
the more i see US Royalty, the more i think they are the real deal
Shit. I knew I forgot to do something last week. DAMMNNNNN!
The cinematography in the video is awesome and I can tell they are a very hard working band. They also seem to be really passionate about their music. But I can't figure out what they're really singing about. I think they're striving for pop romantic-comedy soundtracks. They sound kind of like Keane. Not really my thang.
I'm not much of a music critic, but I am a people critic and the 3/4 of the band that I have had the pleasure of chatting with are really great fellows.