LiveMusicDaily Exclusive Song Premiere: Drop Electric – “One by One”

LMD Exclusive World Premiere

“One by One” by Drop Electric

Album Release Party at Artisphere • May,16th

By Mitchell P.

I was recently introduced to Drop Electric, a D.C.-based band that has been receiving great reviews from the likes of NPR’s Bob Boilen and other plugged-in critics. They refer to themselves as an “atmospheric” rock band, which is an apt description, but rather limiting once you dive into their rather large (and impressive) catalogue. Many bands create “atmospheric” soundscapes around pulsing electronic beats. But after just a few seconds of the track “One by One,” it becomes clear that Drop Electric has developed an entire sonic landscape unto itself. Stylistically, the group has picked up on the tendencies of bands like Sigur Ros and the eccentricities of bands like Alt-J to forge a sound that is both cosmic and terrestrial. The percussion is infectious and technical, energizing these soundscapes with a distinctly rock and roll edge. However, it is the vocals that separate this band from the rest of the pack. Kristina Reznikov’s voice soars in every song. It truly is a gift from the heavens each time she belts a verse or a chorus. There’s something uniquely minimalist in her approach. It actually reminds me of a spacey Sharon Van Etten in some ways.

I have only just begun to scratch the surface when it comes to Drop Electric, but I couldn’t be more excited to take the plunge. I plan to see them live as soon as possible.

In 2012, the band was featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered after host Bob Boilen accidentally landed at their headlining show at Black Cat. From there the band started to take off signing a record deal with Lefse Records and a licensing deal with Pusher Music joining a roster that included famed acts like Warpaint, Crystal Method, and DJ Shadow. In 2014 the band sold out headlining shows at 930 Club, Artisphere’s Dome Theater, and Strathmore. In the same year the band’s song “Santo Domingo” landed in the theatrical, IMAX trailer for the Warner Bros’ blockbuster 300:Rise of an Empire. In 2015, the band signed a deal with Japanese label Rallye Records to release their third full length album, “Lost in Decay.”

The band’s lineup is made up of all first generation and second generation immigrants from Iran, Japan, India, and Philippines. The band represents the diversity and rich cultural history of the D.C. metro area. It is that experience that makes the band not just unique in D.C. but in the larger indie rock community. Anya Mizani recently joined Drop Electric’s the lineup as their lead vocalist following an outstanding audition last summer.

The Artisphere show will be the Album Release show for this new album “Lost In Decay” (Waaga Records in America, Rallye Label in Japan). To add to the excitement, the band will be debuting our new horn section at Artisphere. The horn section has been put together by Joe Herrera (The Funk Ark, Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, The Harry Bells) and features Herrera on trumpet and Christian Hizon on trombone. Drop Electric will be having our video show projected 360 degrees on the Dome Theatre (planetarium-style setting with stadium seating) and can’t wait to give that place a nice send-off before they close their doors in June. One of Drop Electric’s favorite D.C. bands “Laughing Man” will be opening up the evening and will be playing the entirety of their newest album, “Be Black Baby”. Outside of the Dome Theatre, attendees will get to engage with a special pop-up sound exhibit from D.C. based storytelling collective From Block 2 Block, along with artwork from local artists, for one night only.