America Hearts, Shark Week, Bella Russia (Dan)

Hard to believe, but SXSW is just around the corner. Soon you’ll be roaming the mobbed streets going from show to show, drinking too much, eating way too many tacos, and slowly developing a debilitating case of the SXSW flu which will put you out of work for another week. There truly is no greater time of year than SXSW.

In preparation for the big week I’ve been scouting out bands from my old stomping grounds, Washington, DC. The city is chock full of great but little known bands, so I wanted to share a few so that you can get on their bandwagons early. First up is America Hearts which specializes in sparse but catchy indie-folk. They play songs that worm their way into your brain and have you humming throughout the day. Train Tracks illustrates songwriter Jess Matthews’ knack for simple but evocative lyrics. Listening to the song you can’t help but think of someone that you once loved “like the train loves the tracks.”

:America Hearts – Train Tracks:

I don’t know much about Shark Week other than they are an official SXSW selection and that they have an awesome name. They also have a undeniable surf rock meets garage rock sound and reports out of DC is they put on one hell of a live show. The band recently put out a three song EP that I’ve been listening to Spotify on a daily basis. I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.

:Shark Week – Get High:

Bella Russia is an avant-indie experimental instrumental which is set to release their debut EP this month. They recently contributed a track to Rainbow Arcade, a compilation in which each band involved only had three hours to record a song. Nocturne In Blue & Gold is the only song I’ve heard from the group, but based on this one track, I’m all in. I love a good instrumental band, especially one that pairs an amazing rhythm section with just the right amount of guitar work. Listen to the track and you realize these guys have serious potential. I’m very excited to hear they are making the trek to Texas for SXSW.

:Bella Russia – Nocturne In Blue And Gold: