16

FRIDAY

Elysian Fields lead singer (and former D.C. scenester) Jennifer Charles possesses a dark, smoky grandeur that is more often the trademark of Weill-weary cabaret singers. On the band’s latest record, Queen of the Meadow, Charles’ slinky voice and bleak erotic prosody are wrapped around some lovely melodies written by bandmate Oren Bloedow. (I was hooked by the album’s luscious and leering fifth track, “Hearts Are Open Graves,” from the first listen.) Loungin’ Europhile hipsters with an ear for Serge Gainsbourg’s often gloomy tunefulness and the leering buzz of Italian film soundtracks will feel right at home romping in this particular Meadow. Elysian Fields perform with openers Rye Coalition and Velvet at 9:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $7. (202) 667-7960. (Richard Byrne)