Because Brandon Butler is kind of a big guy, because he wears overalls, because he played in a hardcore band and has as tattoo that says “Born to rock”, I’m always surprised at how tuneful and expressive his voice is. From the looks of him, you’d think that the DC-based singer-songwriter would sound like sandpaper on a chalkboard or the aural equivalent of a worn out catcher’s mitt. Luckily, that’s not the case.

There’s a chance that you read about Butler in this recent cover story. However it’s more likely that you remember him from his old bands Canyon and Farewell Bend or his handful of folk-tinged solo recordings. At any rate, the guy can sing, and he’ll be doing so tonight over at Black Cat.

The Moderate, Brandon Butler
@ Black Cat 9 pm $8
1811 14th St. NW