These United States
A Picture of the Three of Us At the Gate to the
Garden of Eden
www.theseunitedstates.net
Talk about highly-anticipated. We’ve been waiting ages for this, the debut effort from locals These United States. Well, it was worth the wait. Long-time followers will be happy to know that staples like “Jennie Anne,” “Sun is Below & Above,” “Kings & Aces,” and fan favorite “The Business” are all here. Beautifully poetic lyrics compliment dreamy instrumentation, which takes off and flies when the time is right. “Remember Dear” reminds us why we love this band. Check them out March 3 at IOTA for their CD release party. Then wish them well as they hit the road, across the country all the way to California. — RF

Jukebox the Ghost
Let Live and Let Ghosts
www.jukeboxtheghost.com
This DC trio has released their first full-length album. Let’s get the references to Ben Folds out of the way, because the comparisons with the piano and vocals are obvious and easy. But these guys are their own people, and the sound is retro-refreshing. There’s a lot going on here, from the meshing of the instruments to the lyrics. Gotta listen to the opening “Good Day,” “Hold It In,” “Victoria” and “Where Are All the Scientists Now.” Definitely worth checking out. See them for yourself, and pick up a disc, March 8 at the Rock and Roll Hotel. — RF

Da Cruz
Nova Estacao EP 1 & 2
www.dacruzmusic.com
It’s been an interesting trip for emerging Bossa Nova / pop artist (Mariana) Da Cruz, from her native Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she was struggling to make a name of herself in obscure clubs—to the Irish pubs and danceclubs of Lisbon, Portugal. That’s where the Brazilian songstress caught the attention of Swiss producer Ane H., whose infusion of Electro, Latin and Breakbeats, and even Swiss cowbells — make for a refreshing Bossa Nova album on the lines of female stars like Ceu and Bebel Gilberto, and could have nascent Da Cruz becoming a star in the making. Her “intro: Sao Jorge” captures your attention right away, first lulling you with soft rain-like beats, and then she shouts “Suba!” (Portuguese for “Get up!”) with electric guitar rifts and funky percussions immediately following in a very dance-friendly track—much like the title track “Nova Estacao,” which features an upbeat techno-driven Brazilian samba beat. “Madrugada” has a more familiar Bossa Nova feel, softer guitar rifts, and soothing vocals; while “Mais Uma Noite” is a great R&B song with a catchy humming chorus, soft percussions, and smooth jazzy horns. — Alfredo Flores







Flogging Molly
Float
www.floggingmolly.com.
The good: This album sounds like Flogging Molly. The not as good: It sounds like the same ol’ Flogging Molly, meaning there isn’t a lot new going on. Saving grace is that the Irish punk outfit is a great band, so you know you’ll hear something solid on this, the band’s fourth full-length effort. You get rollicking songs, plenty of fiddle, most about drinking, politics and relationships. Long-time fans will be happy to see the emergence of “Between a Man and a Woman,” an old FM track. The energetic “You Won’t Make a Fool Out of Me” will be the next fan favorite sing along. Other highlights are “Requiem For a Dying Song,” the title track and the required closing ballad “The Story So Far.” The album drops March 4. — RF

Haale
No Ceiling
www.haale.com
Here we have a powerful woman that is making sweet music, with her new album. This Iranian-American singer songwriter Haale is a mysterious mix of rock and Persian music that goes into trance and underground poetry. The album “No Ceiling,” with its 10 songs, will leave no one untouched. With its highlight “Ay Dar Shekastch,” it submits a big fat stain, an exotically pineapple one covered with dark, almost black raspy cacao. We are talking about exotic as in an unadulterated sound with lyrics on both English and Persian that is merging into one good package of everything. She is crossing between Amy Lee, a modern Bjork and Jim Morrison. This is impressionable. Hear for yourself at IOTA Café on March 20.  — TKB

Hey Willpower
P.D.A.
www.heywillpower.com
Filled with catchy hooks and electro-pop beats, Hey Willpower make a strong stand with their US debut “P.D.A.” The album with all of its pop samplings and electronic beats creates an extremely danceable sound echoing Justin Timberlake. If you’re looking for lyrics of any substance this isn’t your CD. It’s built for mindless fun with lyrics like “I’m ok with playing truth or dare/As long as you end up in your underwear,” on the opening track. And from there tracks only get more sexually fueled and dance floor evocative.  If you wanna party , Willpower will be at Black Cat on March 7. — AO

Hoots and Hellmouth
Hoots and Hellmouth
www.hootsandhellmouth.com
For those of us who want to take a music journey starting with the Gospel, continuing through ‘60s rock and the country cotton fields, up to today’s experimental highway, give a listen to Hoots and Hellmouth. This self titled debut album has a kickass start with its first track “Want on Nothing”, followed by 10 other captivating songs with a country/rock sound. This Philadelphia-based band — with Hoots, Grey and mandolin player Berliner — are wild but soulful, sweaty but fresh, wild but calm. They swing from a playful exhuberance with the feeling of wanting to stamp your foot into the ground and sing along, to a romantic sound where you let their acoustic guitars, basses, mandolins and grating voices speak for themselves. Check out their website for more information. — TKB


Mia Doi Todd
GEA
www.miadoitodd.com
“GEA,” Mia Doi Todd’s seventh album, delivers an array of sounds from imitating a slow ride down the “River of Life” to Spanish guitars and lyrics in “Esperar Es Caro” and then to a romantic ballad with simple guitar picking and powerful lyrics in “In The End.” “GEA” provides ultimate relaxation among complex compositions like “Night of a Thousand Kisses” to simplistic songs like “Can I Borrow You?” that are three minutes long and only have three lines.  This eclectic mix is worth a listen and definitely worth your money. Catch Todd at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on March 5. — AO

Panther
14kt God
www.panthertouch.com

Panther definitely pulled out all the stops for this album. “14kt God” is a fusion of funky sounds, steady drumbeats and eclectic rhythms. All that sounds crazy, but the band pulls it together quite nicely with the vocals of Charlie Salas-Humara, which creates a sound reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each song has its own personality from jazz club spotlight to a fast paced beat that instinctively makes you tap your feet. The disc definitely gains strength from drummer Joe Kelly who keeps it going with beats so sharp and liberated you feel like you’ve discovered a garage band destined for stardom. Panther will be at Red and Black on March 20. — AO

Wink Keziah & Delux Motel
Working Songs For The Drinking Class
www.winkkeziah.com
If you love to break out into the Texas Two-Step then Wink Keziah & Delux Motel have created the album for you. “Working Songs For The Drinking Class” is that album you can let loose with after a hard day and Keziah packs the disc with catchy riffs and hooks for 37 minutes of what can only be described as “Honky Tonk” music. The album is well put together and transitions smoothly from fast-paced songs like “A Hot Woman and a Cold Beer” to slow tracks like “Jesse’s Farm.” If you feel like two-stepping soon the band will be performing at IOTA on March 29. — AO

Headlights
Some Racing, Some Stopping
www.myspace.com/headlights

Headlights’ second album consists of original pieces written by the bands main trio, Tristan Wraight, Erin Fein and Brett Sanderson. In an effort to make its own music and keep the lyrics and instrumentals simple, the trio produced a sound perfect for any indie movie looking for a soundtrack. Think “Garden State.” The self-recorded album is chill-out music, relying mainly on soft acoustic guitar and piano. The male vocalist outshines the droning sound of the female vocalist throughout the entire album. Highlights from the record include “Get Your Head Around It” and “Market Girl.”— AD

Anna Egge
Lazy Days
www.annaegge.com
Anna Egge is an artist dreaming of Carole King and James Taylor greatness, but falling short. Her overly simplistic and optimistic lyrics mix with folk-rock-meets-the-blues instrumentals. While the beats are a great kickback, her deep vocals don’t match the sound. Egge tries to hit notes her range won’t allow, and sing-talks through the rest of the album. The lyrics - while nice and delicate – aren’t anything inspirational. The majority of the songs focus on wastin’ time, holdin’ onto time and watchin’ time go by. How cliché. The standout of the CD is the guitar playing, which is simple yet soothing.  — AD

The Bosch
Hurry Up
www.boschcast.com
This NYC-based rock band has enjoyed strong national airplay on college radio, which you can tell from their music. The Bosch sounds like a mix between early Killers and The Clash with its “1776” and “Paperback.” This is a band that has the potential for success, but isn’t really at the stage where you can hear their uniqueness, even if it’s bubbling underneath the high-tempo songs. “Hurry Up” is an uplifting album, especially something to play at a wild college party or when you want to wake up your body and mind. Visit www.boschcast.com for more info. — TKB


*******************ALSO AVAILABLE********************

Junior League
Potomac Two-Step
www.juniorleagueband.com
Local bluegrass favorites Junior league continue their momentum with a new four-track LP. While the sound of these tracks are familiar, the band does stretch its legs a bit. Nice addition to last summer’s full-length effort “Oh Dear.”

Tami D’Mar
Expectations
www.tamidmar.com
EP from a local. Infectious, funky bass propels a lot of the songs, paired with good vocals. Hear for yourself March 21 at IOTA.




Tom Goss
Rise
www.tomgossmusic.com
A new EP from local singer/songwriter. Lot’s of energy and a diverse use of instrumentation, including horns and harmonica. Sometimes upbeat, other times dreamy and melodic. Give a listen. Frequent local dates, including March 15 at Mad City Coffee  in Columbia, MD.


Red Sammy
Red Sammy
www.redsammy.com
Different, ambitious sound from this Baltimore-based band. Gravely at one time, sweet the next. Often dark. Compares themselves to a combination of Tom Waits, Iggy Pop, Johnny Cash and the Pixies. Interesting. At College Perk on March 22.



Rob Hornfeck
Reggie
www.robhornfeck.com
A jammy, sometimes face-melting rocking effort from local. Perfect for those who just like to get lost in the music. Simple and fun. Plays the area frequently, see his site for dates.