Edie Sedgwick, Title Tracks, and Imperial China at the Black Cat

Every year I to dedicate myself to seeing as many concerts as possible.  Since I live within 10 blocks of both the 9:30 Club and the Black Cat, as well as smaller venues the Velvet Lounge and DC9, it is easy for me to see live performances on a regular basis.  However, my aversion to going to shows alone and general laziness usually prevents me from accomplishing this goal.  One of my hopes for this blog is to give me the inspiration to go to shows by myself.  Thus, I decided to check out three DC based bands play at the Black Cat last night: Edie Sedgwick, Title Tracks, and Imperial China.

Some pre-concert notes:

• I spotted Title Tracks enjoying a pre-gig meal at Taco Bell/KFC.  I like them already.
• Pretty diverse crowd in attendance.  There are the usual hipsters, but also some guys that have to be in their 50s and an older woman that was playing The Cure on the jukebox.  I hope I am still going to shows when I am that age.
• Is that Ian MacKaye?  Yes it is.

Edie Sedgwick is the solo project of DC musician Justin Moyer.  Getting his inspiration in name and appearance from the former Andy Warhol groupie and underground film actress, Moyer dresses in drag and wears a short blond wig.  However, he doesn't bother getting rid of his goatee.  Moyer sings and plays keyboards, backed up by an all female band.  Edie Sedgwick's sound had elements of older B-52's and Of Montreal.  The songs are influenced by celebrity, as exhibited by the titles "Sissy Spacek," "Bambi/GW Bush," "Angelina Jolie," "Anthony Perkins," and "Rob Lowe."  The show was entertaining, energetic, and danceable.  Unfortunately, there was a typical DC crowd in attendance and no one was dancing.  Actually, one guy was dancing.  I applaud his courage and/or insanity.

Title Tracks is the new band fronted by former Q and Not U and Georgie James member John Davis.  This four piece outfit performed songs they are recording for their debut album to be released this summer.  Drawing on the influences of Elvis Costello, The Jam, and The Clash, Title Tracks ripped through their set of catchy songs and showed they are definitely a band to watch out for in the coming months.  I really liked Title Tracks and I look forward to seeing them again.  Once again, no one danced to Title Tracks except for the dancing guy.  I am guessing he might dance to anything.

Imperial China is a three piece post-punk band.  Their sound is influenced by bands like Battles, with a little bit of metal and some reggae (at least for one song).  Not all of their songs have lyrics, but the ones that do have vocals reminiscent of DC punk pioneers Fugazi.  I bet Ian MacKaye was proud.  Imperial China displayed sound musicianship and energy.  The crowd was head-nodding in approval throughout their set, which was briefly interrupted by a blown bass drum.  I had moved to the back of the venue during Imperial China's set, so I have no idea if the dancing guy was busting a move.  I bet he was.