It’s finally October ÛÒ my favorite month. Time for crisp autumn mornings, pumpkins, and perfect temperatures for wearing my pea coat, but no list of awesome month-related things is complete without the month’s upcoming shows. So here’s a look at some bands making a stop in D.C. in October. Is this a comprehensive list? No, of course it’s not. Rather some of the highlights likeÛ_
Dum Dum Girls stop at the Black Cat on Saturday night, October 22 to support their recently released sophomore record Only in Dreams. The album has gotten some solid reviews thus far, and I’m not just talking Pitchfork but the New York Times, too. That’s some serious exposure. I’ve never seen them live, but definitely looking forward to checking them out.
Deer Tick, my hometown heroes, headline 9:30 Club on Sunday the 16th. If I have to introduce them, you should stop reading this now and go get Born on Flag Day. Seriously.
Japanese metal may sound a little intimidating if you’re not a hardened headbanger, but Boris is incredibly eclectic and has something for everyone. They come to the Black Cat on Saturday, October 29 to play some new material from each of their three full-length albums released this year. I’ve had a chance to see Boris a few times, and I can say it’s LOUD but not your typical rock show. And drummer Atsuo always jumps into the crowd at the end of the set. Awesome.
The District’s own Beasts of No Nation play H Street’s Red Palace on Wednesday, October 26th. I got a chance to see them at Fort Reno this past summer, and they’re some standard, solid punk. If you like Darkest Hour ÛÒ of whom Beasts features former members ÛÒ then you’ll definitely enjoy Beast of No Nation.
Big D and The Kids Table come to the Rock N Roll Hotel, also on the 26th, with fellow Boston ska/punk band the Have Nots. Having seen and even played with both bands during my former life as a member of a high school ska/punk band, I can say it’ll be wicked entertaining. They’re both super fun and surely worth a good nostalgic time.