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Mention Cocteau Twins and Elizabeth Fraser’s ghostly vocals haunt your mind. Utter the words Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard’s ethereal voice rings in your ears. But these bands’ male co-leaders—Robin Guthrie and Brendan Perry—were equally responsible for crafting the dark-ambient rock that defined Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, and the 4AD label in the ’80s. The dudes are touring together now in support of solo albums that recall their glory days—minus the double-X chromosomes. Guthrie’s latest instrumental venture, Emeralds, features his blissed-out guitar strolling through New Age-y soundtrack tunes. Perry, who also sang in Dead Can Dance, uses his dreamy baritone to explore tales of alienation, identity, and war on Ark. Both albums would’ve benefited from a female touch, but neither will be mistaken for cock rock.
Brendan Perry and Robin Guthrie perform at 8 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $40.