We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
5
TUESDAY
I’ll admit to being skeptical of someone who would thank Claire Danes and Ben Lee in her liner notes. But I was delighted to discover that Under a Different Sky, the debut full-length from Via Tania (Tania Bowers and various guests), is filled with promise unfettered by mention of the once-mistaken-for-phenom couple. Breathy Australian singer-songwriter Bowers has gasped for the likes of Joan of Arc and Archer Prewittartists with albums tinkered by Bowers’ co-producer husband, Chicagoan Casey Rice. But here’s where the Windy City back-scratchin’ really gets going: John Herndon and Doug McCombs of Tortoise, Scott Herren of Prefuse 73, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, and Noel Kupersmith of Brokeback (one of McCombs’ countless side projects) all chip in to form the amoebic Via Tania. The result is glitchy, synthy, and dreamy, with beats politely taking turns and Bowers sweetly releasing seductive and mildly sinister lyrics in a post-Whip-It exhale. In other words, it’s charming as all get-out. Come and see which trip-indie friends join Bowers onstage when Via Tania plays with Caribbean at 9 p.m. on the Black Cat’s Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $7. (202) 667-7960. (Anne Marson)