DMV Sounds: February 2023

The shortest month of the year features a decade of power pop, some of the loudest bands playing the fastest and shortest songs, electronic soul, the future of opera and some unexpected harps. It’s always a good idea to go to a show. It’s an even better idea to go do a new type of show. And how often are you at a show with a harp? Multiple harps?

2.5

Corvo opening for GEL at Comet Ping Pong

Corvo has been doing hardcore the right way since their 2018 early demo recordings. Their recently released album “Cortadas” features six songs and 10 minutes of aggressive perfection. Kudos to a stellar mix and master by Matt Michael. While we’re recommending this show for the opener, do not leave before New Jersey’s GEL. The metal/garage/loud rock band is ideal for Comet. They’re not as fast as Corvo but they are heavy in their own right. $22.25. 9 p.m. Learn more about Corvo at corvodc.bandcamp.com. 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; cometpingpong.com // @cometpingpong

2.9

Abbie Palmer, Agi Kovacs + Elizabeth Owens at The Pocket

I’ve recommended thousands of shows over the last two decades. I have never before recommended a night of harpist singer-songwriters and percussive dancing. $12-$15. 8 p.m. 1508 N Capitol St. NW, DC; thepocketdc.com // @thepocket_dc

2.11

In-Person Cafritz Young Artists Performance at Renwick Gallery

A great way to enjoy an afternoon of world class music from future big names in opera. Free. 2 p.m. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; americanart.si.edu // @americanart

2.12

Sunstoney opens for Nisa at Pie Shop

Sunstoney bills herself as electronic soul. She’s not wrong. It’ll be interesting to see how she manipulates layers and layers of vocals on tracks like “Crown” and “Astral Plane” in a live setting. $12-$14. 8 p.m. Learn more about Sunstoney at sunstoney.bandcamp.com and follow @sunstoney. 1339 H St. NE, DC; pieshopdc.com // @pieshopdc

2.19

Dot Dash opens for Jacuzzi Boys at Songbyrd

They’re named after a Wire song, but they’re way poppier than the legendary British punk band. Their newest, November’s “Madman in the Rain,” marks their best year in their decade-long tenure. There’s some Joe Jackson in “Space Junk, Satellites,” some The Knack in “Tense & Nervous” and a little “Pleased to Meet Me” era The Replacements on “Forever Far Out.” If you’re a fan of strong power pop played by professionals, it’s hard to beat D.C.’s Dot Dash. $13-$15. 7 p.m. Learn more about Dot Dash at dotdashdc.bandcamp.com. 540 Penn St. NE, DC; songbyrddc.com // @songbyrddc

Brandon Wetherbee