There are plenty of pop moments on “Demon Station,” an invigorating five-song EP by locals More Humans. Many come when members of the trio combine for sparkling vocal harmonies. But instead of hearing the usual “ooh oohs” or “yeah yeahs,” you’ll get a phrase such as “Welcome to the Childhood Home of Andy Warhol and Dan Marino.” And that’s not just a lyric – it’s a chorus.

That balancing act defines “Demon Station,” which presents a band that plays rock music with a sense of purpose and precision. Songs are jolting one moment and pretty the next, filled with twists and turns that add and release tension but never become a distraction. The crooked guitars that kick off “Mason-Dixon” suggest the non-stylized sounds of ’90s indie rock everymen Chavez and Polvo, but the song quickly rumbles into a pristine, New Pornographers-esque chorus. The wordy chorus of “Warhol and Marino” (they’re talking about Pittsburgh, by the way) turns into an unlikely singalong.

Music with sharp cuts and carefully considered vocals deserves stellar production, and that’s another strength of “Demon Station” – it simply sounds great, perfectly crisp and clear. Even though it’s only 14 minutes, the EP is packed with enough personality that you feel as if you really get to know More Humans and you quickly want to know them even better.

–David Malitz, Nov. 4, 2011

Meet the Doggetts

Sunday January 9
7:00-9:30 pm
Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave E
Vienna, VA 22180

An otherwise normal family, the Doggetts greatly exceed their quota of musical talent and output. Tony has been writing, singing, and playing guitar since his early teens and has three published CDs, the first one recorded at a studio in downtown Harare, Zimbabwe. He met Anne over guitars in 1977 and never looked back, captivated by the way she channeled Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, and other female greats. Anne teaches children with autism and leads the worship team for Ask Network, an international prayer fellowship. She also gifted the world with four amazing children: Elizabeth (the vivacious older sister who runs distance races and sings at every possible opportunity, including weddings and family gatherings);  Clinton, a gifted singer-songwriter-guitarist and member of the alternative rock band More Humans; Ben, the middle son with the sweet voice who leads the music ministry at Christ our Shepherd Church and also has an album coming out next year; and Brad, the industry up-and-comer who has tens of thousands of YouTube subscribers and once opened for Wyclef Jean. 

We invite everyone, young and old, to an evening of home grown music and family good times at Jammin’ Java, one of America’s best small venues. Tickets available here.  See you there!

Purchase A Moment in Time and two other records as a package deal for the low price of $30 – a savings of 14%!