When first assigned this column, I knew immediately the band that I wanted to highlight: Exit Clov. Exit Clov was my introduction indie music scene when i moved to DC last year. So I got their latest EP and blasted it from my sound system...on repeat. The band’s unique sound could loosely be termed as a blend of Pop and Rock which makes for great ear candy.

The EP springs from the band’s Jolly Roget sessions and features their collaboration with Roger Greenawalt. The first track, “MK Ultra,” is an upbeat, highly infectious song that had me dancing around my living room. The simplicity and sweetness of the melody makes for a great opener. The second track is a wandering number fittingly titled “Band Seeking” that was produced by the band themselves. As much as I love a fun dance tune, “Band Seeking” offers more substance with socially charged lyrics. Play this one repeatedly to fully appreciate its message.

“Talkin’ Radio” – my personal favorite – fills in the third slot. It’s a laid back tune with dynamically sweet yet almost ominous harmonies. The EP wraps up with “Working Class Hero”. The eerie vocals and cool instrumentation of this song sent goose bumps up my arms the first time I listened. “Hero” starts simple with basic harmonies and builds to a powerful finish. The whole album has political undertones and social commentary, but still keeps the vibes fun and lighthearted. What else could you ask for from a DC band?

Exit Clov Live

As much as I like the album, it’s the band’s live show that really does it for me. I recently took in their April 15th performance at Black Cat. The band has a real following. There was a great crowd singing along, succumbing to the beat.

The Clov has an impressive stage presence and energy. And, yes, it doesn’t hurt that the band is fronted by attractive twin sisters, Emily and Susan Hsu. They command the attention of the males in the room – and ahem, a good number of females too. Good looks aside, the twins have amazingly harmonized voices that are so perfectly entwined they sound as if they started rehearsing in the womb.  The most captivating moment of the show is when the femmes show the full scope of their musical talents by rocking out dual violins. The other band members are equally entertaining. Drummer John Thayer pounds out the danceable beats, Aaron Leeder adds some sensual barefoot guitar works and Brett Niederman solidifies the dance beats with the bass.

The only disappointment of the show was the absence of an encore. But, rumor has it that this decision was not left up to the band.  This omission just gives Exit Clov fans an excuse to catch their next gig. I promise if you catch one of their shows you will fall under the band’s spell.

The band takes the show on the road to the Mercury Lounge in New York. DC shows are soon to follow. So be sure to keep an eye on this band at www.exitclov.com. Upcoming shows are posted as well as a link to their MySpace page. You can also purchase their EP’s from the website, which I highly recommend.

Know an up and coming DC band? Email elaine@hillrag.com.

Elaine Tucker, on the staff of Capital Community News, believes whole heartedly that rock ‘n’ roll can save the world.