You’re not doing anything around 5:30 this afternoon, right? Didn’t think so. Make sure you come by the Velvet Lounge, where The Surge — that’s my band — will be playing with L.A.’s Max & The Marginalized, who are written up in today’s Washington Post style section:

Imagine Frank Rich fronting Ted Leo’s group, or maybe a Matthew Yglesias mash-up with Husker Du, Bob Mould‘s old punk band whose logo [frontman and Attackerman homie Max] Bernstein has tattooed on his left forearm.

And Yglesias will most likely be in attendance! Perhaps Max can convince him to sing a rendition of "It’s Not Funny Anymore." Disappointingly, Post writer J. Freedom du Lac — quite the byline there — fails to say whether Max’s band sound like Rich fronting Chisel or the Pharmacists, a significant omission if you ask me. So decide for yourself at their MySpace.

Somehow Freedom didn’t mention our show. So! The Velvet Lounge, 915 U Street NW. Green Line to U St/Cardozo and walk a couple blocks east on U. Max is on at 5:30. The Surge is on at 6:30, and Helsinki — Katy Otto‘s band! — headline at 7:30. See you in the pit!