The Pauses at Comet Ping Pong

Sunday, August 28th 2022

The Pauses

9pm - $13 - All Ages

THE PAUSES

Orlando, FL

https://thepauses.bandcamp.com/

With their sophomore release Unbuilding, the Pauses have hit their sonic geyser, and attentive listeners can marvel at the resulting indierocktronica glints and glitter. Based in Orlando, Florida, the Pauses are multi-instrumentalist Jason Kupfer, vocalist-bassist-keyboardist Tierney Tough, and drummer Nathan Chase. Their debut, A Cautionary Tale, introduced listeners to Kupfer’s studied ear and methodical rock flourishes, Chase’s technical rhythms, and Tough’s attentive musicality and immaculate vocal. Both of their albums were produced and mixed by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines), and his influence can be heard in the heavier guitar propulsion that churns under the allure of the electronic ear candy on the surface. This combination live makes dancing feel like a decision the whole room made at once.

On Unbuilding, the Pauses have evolved their collaborative songwriting, and few tracks show the pop heft of that effort as well as “Digital Detox.” It slams you almost like a wall of sound, with Tough’s typically clear-as-a-bell vocal distorted to great effect, evoking ‘60s girl groups with warped sensibilities. Trumpets, timpani, cello, theremin and electronic elements are called upon to create the Pauses’ authentic sound, and then whisked away to allow the vocals space, as in the sparse, unusual dreamscape on “Had/Have.” Other times, the sound can bound in bilateral increments, like the playful piano to guitar crush of “The Means.” Their range is key, with loud live rockers like “Don’t Wake Me Up” and “Animus?”, which is particularly intense as it dangles wildly at the album’s end and concludes, “What a way to feel nothing real.”

That line evokes an overarching theme of the album, which gazes into the black mirror and is smart enough not to take it seriously. Songs like “Eventually, Everything Connects,” “Digital Detox” and “Don’t Wake Me Up” suggest a rebellion against the online drone, with lines that invite you to throw your arms up and sing out, “I don’t need the details shoved down my throat.

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COVID Policy

In order to attend an event at Comet Ping Pong we now require proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination. Patrons who wish to attend an event must show a completed COVID-19 vaccination card. Booster shots will be considered necessary for a completed vaccination card for anyone eligible to receive one. As members of the community it is our responsibility to help minimize the spread and risk of COVID and to protect the safety of our patrons, our performers, and our staff.

Accepted forms of proof include

1. A physical vaccination card that matches the patron's photo ID

2. A photo of a vaccination card that matches the patron's photo ID

If you have not been vaccinated, you can find a vaccination site here:

https://www.vaccines.gov/

Testing sites can be found here:

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

Information on lost vaccination cards can be found here:

https://myirmobile.com/

For more information on vaccines go here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html

Due to DC's current indoor masking mandate, masks are required within the venue at all times. They may be removed if consuming a beverage. We do have masks available at the front desk.

Ticket refunds for shows may be requested for medical reasons and in advance only.

This policy is subject to change without notice.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, United States