Elizabeth Elmore was the perfect reason to check out the DC music scene. To sink into the Black Cat's Backroom, every bit as intimate as the Middle East Upstairs. The smoke every bit as thick. The ink every bit as permanent. The kids every bit as young.

When I was following Archers of Loaf around the Northeast on their final tour, I got used to an unfamiliar venue. The displacement I would feel watching an all-too familiar band in an alien environment. Tonight felt like my first time at the Trocadero or Valentines or Brownies.

It amused me to think of it becoming routine. Learning where they hide the secret parking spots. Scouting out a favorite location to stand in the tiny room, where the music sounds flawlessly blended and I'm afforded the perfect view of fingers sliding on strings.

But tonight it was just one more novel experience in this new city.