Red Dress Red Nails - forgetters at DC9

So, the forgetters, for those who do not know, is the latest project from Blake Schwarzenbach, who is most known for his work in the bands Jawbreaker, and Jets to Brazil. To me, they sound a bit more of a return to the more punk sounding Jawbreaker days. Which is not a bad thing. 

I have been a fan of of Blake's songwriting for years, and have always found his lyrics to be some of the most well thought out, and articulate out there. Well, as I understand it, he does have degrees in English literature and creative writing, so that helps.

Jawbreaker has often been cited as a major influence on a lot of people. The combination of power punk music with really well developed lyrics, often baring one's soul or insecurities to the audience was very contagious. But if I am being honest, while I really liked Jawbreaker, Jets to Brazil was my favorite of Blake's bands. Orange Rhyming Dictionary, and Perfecting Loneliness are brilliant records. The forgetters full length "Too Small to Fail", available at Midheaven Records, brought Blake back together with old friend, and indie super producer J Robbins. Recorded at J's Magpie Cage Studio in Baltimore (J also recorded/produced all the JTB records). In fact, forgetters was in the midst of a line up change, and in need of a bass player. So, J filled those shoes for the record.

I picked up the 7" they released earlier, and enjoyed that. I got the full length at the show, and have been listening to it a bit. I haven't found it to be the instant grabber that some of his previous work has been, but more of a "grower". The more I listen, the more I like it. Sort of absorbing it, and letting it bounce around a bit. 

The show itself? Right. That's what I usually talk about. It was very good. Good performance by the forgetters and the opening acts. One thing that was impressive to me, was the crowd that they pulled for it being January 2nd. That's a tough date. Day after new years, dead of winter, typically fickle DC crowd. But it was a pretty full house, and they were appreciative of the show.

You can see my pics here.

Till next time, see you in the pit.

pete