The last time we saw DC locals Shark Week, they were opening for Mac DeMarco in the basement of an American University academic building. This Thursday, they’ll rile the crowd for Mississippi’s Bass Drum of Death at the Black Cat. Shark Week’s wild psych sound comes alive through performance, almost as if infused with a new, rawer soul. That rough ’round the edges sensibility is the perfect match for Bass Drum of Death, the Southern princes of garage rock. The black and white checkerboard floor of the Black Cat could withstand a number of things tomorrow night: grooving, stomping, head banging, crowd surfing and plenty of beer spillage.
Since releasing GB City in 2011, the duo known as Bass Drum of Death has been thrashing to the front of what some might call a no-nonsense noise rock revival. BDoD was smart to apply pop melodies and song structures to a genre sometimes considered abrasive or less-than-accessible. That first album was ruthless. GB City was song after song of gritty power chords and careless smashing on the drums. With hooks like that, who needs friends?
Their second album, which was released last summer, was just as heavy, albeit more polished. Just as meaty and fatty and fun. Some unnamed tastemakers tore it down for sloppy songwriting, but the good news there is that most people looking to get silly at a rock show aren’t looking for poetry. Wavves and FIDLAR shows are fun for the exact same reason. Fans will drink up whatever these boys will pour down our mouths. And DC’s been waiting awhile for a BDoD show. There isn’t a better way to spend a Thursday night than smashing away the memories of Tuesday’s uncomfortable meeting or that god-awful paper you just handed in.
Grab your tickets and get your nasty show-boots ready. We want to see you there.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsUB7XFiFr8&w=560&h=315]