After a few listens of shoegaze act debut EP, The Broken Places, I thought to myself, “BROOKLYN!” But no, this is a DC-based band featuring Nate Frey on guitars/vox, Rob Miller on bass, Libby Dorot on synth/vox, and Misha Alexander on drums/vox. The band draws inspiration from early ninties post-punk and shoegazer acts as well as honoring the scene with lo-fi recordings and dreary vocals. Last Tide don’t modernize the genre though, they nearly replicate that era to the tee. Take that however you want, but the band pulls it off well.
The band will be performing at Black Cat in DC on the 26th of Oct to celebrate the physical release of The Broken Places.
You can purchase the debut EP, The Broken Places right now from iTunes or .
This week’s Kuestionnaire features vocalist / guitarist Nate Frey as he shares a pair of some pretty amazing local DC acts.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Neil Young. Pioneering in most of the genres I have more than a passing interest in.
2. What have you been listening to lately?
Idaho, Stereolab, iLiKETRAiNS, Dinosaur Jr., The Meeting Places
3. What’s your favorite local band?
Tough one, but I’m going to say either or .
4. What was the last show you attended?
Excluding ones I played, I believe it was True Womanhood, Deleted Scenes, and Savoir Adore at the Black Cat Backstage. Great show.
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
If I can count entire festivals, then Primavera Sound 2007. If I can’t, then probably Built to Spill with Camper Van Beethoven and Helvetia at 930 Club a few years back.
6. What show are you looking forward to?
David Bazan (formerly of Pedro the Lion) is touring with a band again this fall with Say Hi opening. Pretty excited to see that, I loved PtL, and while I enjoy his solo shows, he is definitely better with a band.
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Hmm. Speaking totally selfishly, probably Kevin Shields, just because I would really love to figure out how he gets some of those sounds.
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Neil Young – Live Rust
Dinosaur Jr – Beyond
Red House Painters – Red House Painters I
Songs:Ohia – Didn’t It Rain
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Absolutely, yes. Nerd, also.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Neil Young in Berlin. Wilco, I am Trying to Break Your Heart.
11. What’s the last book you read?
The Quiet American by Graham Greene. He’s really an unfairly neglected author in the US, I think.
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
Live performances. I like spontaneity. The studio brings out my inner anal-retentive.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
Our third show (I think?) was a pool party put on by the DC culture/nightlife site Brightest Young Things, the theme of which was 90s music. The bands were all asked to learn a bunch of 90s covers, and we agreed to do it, but we ended up really unprepared, to the point where Libby and I were both singing into the same mic so we could look at lyrics she’d taped to her keyboard. Not that embarrassing I guess, but give us time.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Like everybody, we love New York. Also had a great time in Worcester, MA, unexpectedly. Very cool, attentive crowd.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
Worked my day job.
Last Tide – 
Shapeshifter from The Broken Places (2009)
True Womanhood – The Monk from True Womanhood Demo (2009)