Being a part of the local DMV (D for DC, or District of Columbia, M for Maryland, and V for Virginia) music scene, I get introduced to and acquainted with local bands rather frequently, and have the great pleasure of seeing these bands perform and listening to their music all the time. So, I wanted to share these bands with a wider audience, because I think they’re great musicians that deserve more recognition than they are currently getting.

Here are a few bands local to the DMV area that you all should check out!

Ruse de Guerre

Led by the aggressive vocals and guitar playing of Marc Saucer, Ruse de Guerre mixes punk intensity with complex guitar and bass lines by lead guitarist Daniel Quirke and bassist Hapa Siuhengalu that can kick you in the teeth one song, and then implore a waltz time signature the next. Their live shows have a classic rock mood, switching between the aforementioned fast paced and simple songs and other more intricate guitar melodies, while intermixed with songs that have drummer and saxophonist Tonito Walls on lead vocals, rapping as the rest of the band performs a live music track behind him. Their debut EP, “Empire” is available online now.

Sounds Like: Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin

Song to Start With: “Waiting For May” or “Montella Bambina”

Ruse de Guerre's SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ruse-de-guerre

Ruse de Guerre's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rusedeguerre/timeline

StereoRiots

With a competent and locked in rhythm section of bassist Jey Williams and Moe Sesay behind him, vocalist and guitarist Wahid Hashime provides StereioRiots with a unique vocal style that is as interesting musically as it is catchy, making the music difficult to get out of your head after listening to it. Recent addition Jorge Ramirez on keyboards adds another dimension to already riveting music, making the experience all the more enjoyable for the average listener. StereoRiots' EP "Intervals" is available online and on iTunes.

Sounds Like: Kings of Leon, The Killers, Arcade Fire

Song to Start With: “Restless Radar” or “Fever”

StereoRiots' ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/stereoriots

StereoRiots' Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StereoRiots/timeline

Tarfu

The power trio of Tarfu, featuring vocalist and guitarist Misuteru (Geoff Simons), bassist Camp Counselor Phil (David Morton) and drummer Tsunami (Jonny Brooks), create an ethereal music style that is controlled in recording, but crazy and fun when performed live. Misuteru’s high ranged vocals layer perfectly over the band’s fast, punkish music style that is easily enjoyed listen after listen. Tarfu released their EP “It’s Not Me, It’s You” in August 2015.

Sounds Like: Radiohead, The Pixies, Bad Brains

Song to Start With: “Quiet Day” or “Brain Damage”

Tarfu's Bandcamp: http://tarfu.bandcamp.com/

Tarfu's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tarfuband/timeline

Model Train Wreck

Super fuzzed out punk, laced with the rough but sweet vocals of vocalist and guitarist Sophia Nadia, Model Train Wreck is the picturesque example of suburban punk, making the seemingly average problems of life, happiness, guilt, and love seem grander with complimentary and prominent lead guitar and bass parts from guitarist Tadeusz Mich and bassist Griffin Low, all backed by the fierce drumming of Jasiu Mich. Their music is undeniably catchy and fun to listen to, and every time the album ends you’ll wish there was just one more track of sorrowful punk bliss. Model Train Wreck released their first album this past summer.

Sounds Like: The Front Bottoms, Shonen Knife, Bikini Kill

Song to Start With: “Self Destruction” or “Dealt”

Model Train Wreck's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuxFgsFJgBhQXdIDp_mzyQ/videos

Model Train Wreck's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/modeltrainwreckmusic/timeline

Cinema Hearts

Self-described as ‘suburban bedroom pop’, Cinema Hearts takes the chimey guitar lines and high ranged smooth vocals of Caroline Weinroth, and backs it with the effortlessly timed rhythm section of bassist Erich Weinroth and drummer James Adelsberger, creating a sorrowful and swooning throwback sound that feels equal parts 60’s pop and modern indie punk, at times. Their songs are fun, and as catchy as anything else you might stumble upon on the radio. Cinema Hearts' album "I'll Always Be Around" is available online.

Sounds Like: La Sera, The Ronettes, Lana Del Rey

Song to Start With: “I’ll Always Be Around” or “That Boy”

Cinema Hearts' Bandcamp: http://cinemahearts.bandcamp.com/

Cinema Hearts' Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cinemahearts/timeline

Now, obviously, these are not all of the bands from the DMV area. I hope to be able to add more to this list in the future, because there are a lot of bands out there that deserve the recognition, and there are many more bands in the DMV that I would like to write about. So, if I ever make another part, I will link it here, and the list will simply continue.

What local bands do you think deserve recognition?

Link them in the comments for everyone to check out!

Make sure you share this article with your friends! Especially if you liked any or all of these bands.

Thank you for reading!