Music Under Fire

Located at the edge of the Atlas District inside D.C., The Red and The Black bar claimed host to North of Canada and several other emerging indie bands from around the country. Although the other bands (Southeast Engine and The Shiftless Rounders) won't be mentioned in this review, definitely check them out since their sounds kept the audience wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
.
North of Canada

Despite not being the headliner, a jittery crowd appeared hyped for what turned out to be an energy-packed set from North of Canada. From the intricate dual vocals of Robert France (Kuczynski) and Brazenly Rye (Ryan Kobb) to the masterful play of The General (Mark Kuczynski) on the drums and the deep-rooted impressionism on the bass from The Admiral (Mike Lashinsky), each member of the group hung to each other in a manner that spoke of camaraderie.

Influences from Supergrass, Blur, Built to Spill, Nada Surf, Albert Hammond Jr., Graham Coxon, Ghost City and Johnny Headband came through in spurts throughout the set as wily Brit-pop lyrics mixed with laid-back jam-band riffs. Outside of the group's fine performance, the venue didn't offer the best acoustics, which were designed for less electric and more acoustic, both of which hurt NoC.

North of Canada will be releasing a six-track EP in late winter along with another EP at some other point next year. For pictures from the show, head to MusicUnderFire's facebook, or check out NoC on facebook or MySpace.