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Post-Punk, Indie Rock, and Noise Pop in Washington, D.C.: A Journey Through the 1991-99 Era

Thomas Pynchon

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Published in Capitol Contingency: Post Punk Indie Rock And Noise Pop In Washington D C 1991 99

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A Post Punk Band Performing Live On Stage In A Dimly Lit Venue. Capitol Contingency: Post Punk Indie Rock And Noise Pop In Washington D C 1991 99

The post-punk, indie rock, and noise pop scenes in Washington, D.C. during the 1990s were vibrant and influential, helping to shape the sound of alternative music for years to come.

In the early 1990s, Washington, D.C. was a hotbed of musical activity. The city's vibrant punk scene had given way to a more experimental and diverse musical landscape, and post-punk, indie rock, and noise pop bands were emerging as major players.

Capitol Contingency: Post-Punk, Indie Rock, and Noise Pop in Washington, D.C., 1991-99

by Chas Newkey-Burden

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One of the most influential post-punk bands of the era was Fugazi. Formed in 1987, Fugazi quickly became known for their intense live performances and their uncompromising political lyrics. The band's sound was a mix of post-punk and hardcore, and their albums were critically acclaimed.

Another important post-punk band from Washington, D.C. was Rites of Spring. Formed in 1985, Rites of Spring were one of the first bands to fuse post-punk with hardcore. The band's sound was characterized by its aggressive guitars and passionate vocals, and their live shows were legendary.

In addition to post-punk, the Washington, D.C. scene also produced a number of influential indie rock bands. One of the most popular of these bands was Jawbox. Formed in 1989, Jawbox released a series of acclaimed albums that combined catchy melodies with intelligent lyrics. The band's sound was often compared to that of Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jr.

Another important indie rock band from Washington, D.C. was Shudder to Think. Formed in 1989, Shudder to Think released a series of albums that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The band's sound was a mix of indie rock, post-punk, and noise pop, and their live shows were known for their energy and intensity.

The Washington, D.C. scene also produced a number of influential noise pop bands. One of the most popular of these bands was Unrest. Formed in 1985, Unrest released a series of albums that were characterized by their dreamy melodies and experimental sound. The band's sound was often compared to that of the Velvet Underground and the Cocteau Twins.

Another important noise pop band from Washington, D.C. was Velocity Girl. Formed in 1989, Velocity Girl released a series of albums that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. The band's sound was a mix of noise pop, indie rock, and shoegaze, and their live shows were known for their energy and intensity.

The post-punk, indie rock, and noise pop scenes in Washington, D.C. during the 1990s were a vibrant and influential part of the city's musical history. These bands helped to shape the sound of alternative music for years to come, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Here are some of the key bands and albums from the Washington, D.C. post-punk, indie rock, and noise pop scenes:

Fugazi - Repeater (1990)
Rites of Spring - Rites of Spring (1985)
Jawbox - Jawbox (1991)
Shudder to Think - Pony Express Record (1994)
Unrest - Isabel (1996)
Velocity Girl - Simpatico (1994)

If you're interested in learning more about the Washington, D.C. post-punk, indie rock, and noise pop scenes, there are a number of resources available online. The following websites are a good place to start: