As I cruised down the streets of Gainesville, Fla. during a summer road-trip with John, my long-time best friend, one question plagued us. We’d roll down the windows, hang out of them and blare either the Yeah Yeah Yeahs or the Faint while we checked out the people walking to and from the University of Florida campus. Every couple of minutes, John would leer at me from under his enormous aviator sunglasses?not a creepy leer, but a seductive leer?and ask, “How do we rock so hard?”
Of course, we rocked, and hard, in the abstract. But school has started, the tan is fading, and the weather is getting colder. I want to rock in the more tangible sense, and the best way I can think of doing it is heading to the Q and Not U show at the Black Cat on Friday, Sept. 6.
D.C.-based Q and Not U have been rocking since the summer of 1998?and not Creed-esque radio rock, but full-out, balls-to-the-wall rawk. Originally a four-piece, they parted ways with bassist Matt Borlik after touring for their first full-length No Kill No Beep Beep. The other three members?Christopher Richards, Harris Klahr and John Davis?continued on to record the single “On Play Patters” which will be followed by a full-length, Different Damage, to be released Oct. 21. Their newer music is more percussion-driven then their earlier stuff, and they have been incorporating instruments like synthesizers and the always-needed yet frequently underused cowbell. They are kicking off a tour that will take them across the States, as well as to Canada, Japan and Europe?so check them out while they are still in the District.
Another reason to check out the show is the recently formed Scene Creamers, led by Ian Svenonius, formerly of the D.C. bands Nation of Ulysses and the Make-Up. Joined by bassist and former Make-Up member Michelle May, and two other guys?Blake Brunner and Alex Minoff. Early reports claim the band has a groove and soul foundation, and that Svenonius’ stage presence conjures an image that is part Mick Jagger and part Marsha Brady. But if former Make-Up shows are any indication, Svenonius might be the only one dancing?the crowd is way too hip and impeccably dressed to really get down, even if everyone wants to.
Opening for the two D.C. bands is Ohio-based Aloha, who has been cranking out tunes for about four years. They call to mind the Mercury Program in their use of the vibraphone and jazz-like instrumentals, but combine it with a lovable emo-pop sensibility. They are touring like crazy, promoting their newest release, Sugar.
So Friday night, before you head out to that rooftop party, check out this show. You sorely need a dose of rock. I promise you’ll leave asking, “How do they rock so hard?”
Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St., N.W.
