It's about time I reviewed a local DC/NoVa Band. Metropolitan is John Masters (Lead Guitar and Vox), Saadat Aawan (Drums), and Shyam Telikicherla (Bass). I have a soft spot in my heart for the band as the lead singer's day job has him at Now! Music and Fashion, one of the few establishments in the DC Metro area where one can purchase indie rock, local music, and hip urban clothing without the Georgetown price tags.

Metropolitan's sophomore release, Down for You is Up, takes it's name from a lyric in the Velvet Underground's Pale Blue Eyes. This is a highly appropriate lift as the bands influences can be traced to Velvet Underground, Spacemen 3, Galaxie 500, Pavement, the Residents, Sonic Youth, Television, and the Jesus & Mary Chain (heck, even a twist of early 80's REM).

The cd opens with Westmoreland, a drone pop number featuring Masters' warbly voice (sounds like an amalgam of Doug Martsch and Steven Malkmus) a jangle pop number that takes the pulse of the Velvets and mixes it with a more modern, drone-pop, minimalist approach. Drummer Aawan takes over vocals in one number The Girl From Montpelier, which ends up being one of the cd's highlights, simple melodic vocals backed by driving, syncopated bass and propulsive drum work.

The cd was recorded at Inner Ear studios, an Arlington institution and was produced and mixed by Chad Clark (Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi, Beauty Pill). Highlights include, The Girl From Montpelier, Westmoreland, Brightside and Wet Cigarette.

I had the opportunity to catch Metropolitan live late this summer when they opened for DC Favorites, The Dismemberment Plan at the Black Cat. Their live act did a good job of capturing their relaxed, droning guitar work and catchy lyrical songs. They'll be at my favorite neighborhood watering hole, the Galaxy Hut, this Saturday night (December 7). The Galaxy Hut is a great place to be introduced to their sound, the place is no larger than your typical Wilson Blvd storefront. The Hut does not have the best sound system, but the close proximity to the band more than makes up for that (i.e., be prepared to bring ear plugs, chances are you'll be in John or Shyam's lap ) Great beer on tap, and they serve it by the pitcher or the pint (it's rare in NoVa to get a pitcher of anything but domestic water). Check out the Mp3's on their site, or stop by the Hut on Saturday, grab a Sierra Nevada and hear them live. They'll also be at the Black Cat later this month.