Show Spotlight: Moon Hooch @ Jammin’ Java (Wed. April 8)
–Written by Kevin Madert
It’s no secret we’re pretty big fans of Moon Hooch. The saxy trio of McGowen, Wilbur and Muschler utilize little more than a pair of saxaphones and a drum kit to work crowds across the globe into a primal frenzy, and their ceaseless work ethic has enamored them to a dedicated, ever-widening fanbase.
Moon Hooch performing on NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series
That fanbase will be turning out in force to dance the night away a week from today in Vienna, VA, as Moon Hooch takes the stage at Jammin’ Java. Their electronica-meets-raw-classical style should play devilishly well in the tight confines of the humble coffeehouse – to be honest, I don’t know if the venue will know what hits it when Hurricane Hooch blows through.
Hopefully there won’t be any stampedes next Wednesday
I’ve seen Moon Hooch three times in the DMV, and each time they’ve had opening support from talented regional up-and-comers. That’s the case once again, as along for the ride are a pair of solid local acts – Springfield, VA’s Definition of One and Frederick, MD’s Box Era.
The former is a jamtronica quintet (or sextet, depending on whether they feel like adding extra percussion) modeling their efforts after genre giants like STS9 and the Disco Biscuits. They’ve already opened for acts like GRiZ and Minnesota, and they pride themselves on their ability to play both fixed songs and delve deep into improvisation. In their own words, they “aim to creatively influence perceptive mindsets through their interpretation of both music and the visual arts,” a desire that should translate well on stage next Wednesday.
Defintion of One providing enough jam to have Smuckers filing for copyright infringement
Then there’s Box Era, who manage to coalesce sensual electronica, meandering jam, body-rocking funk, and dashing good looks into a delicious four-piece package. Equally indebted to the sensual tunes of Cherub and the jamtronica virtuoso of Lotus, the band is in their element pushing their multi-genre original tunes through speakers at low-ceiling pubs and unsuspecting cafes across the region. Off-the-charts energy, lush falsettos and the occasional solo on sax or vocoder all come standard, all of which indicates this foursome is equipped to kick off the night with a bodacious bang.
When Box Era is involved, basement dance parties don’t stand a chance
Tickets for Moon Hooch w/Definition of One and Box Era on Wednesday, April 8 are moving quickly, and Jammin’ Java is a real tiny venue – we’re talking 200 person max capacity tiny – so AltFreq recommends you grab yours soon. You can do that right here. If you want to connect with Moon Hooch, you should peruse their Facebook page, yell at them in 140 characters on Twitter, or watch any one of their numerous and humorous clips on YouTube.