Electronic Press Kit

Washington, D.C., is best known as the home of hardcore, go-go and hot-rodded roots rock, but the Airport 77s carry the torch for one of their hometown’s less celebrated musical legacies: power pop. From the Slickee Boys and Tommy Keene to Ex Hex and Bad Moves, the nation’s capital has birthed a slew of melodic rock bands that have not always gotten the recognition they deserve.

For their third record, guitarist Andy Sullivan and drummer John Kelly enlisted one of the city’s power pop legends: bassist Cal Everett, best known as the lead vocalist for

4 Out of 5 Doctors, who released two LPs on CBS Records in the 1980s.

The result is “Don’t Let Go” (JEM Records; CD: PSC 1045; LP: PSL 1045), the band’s most ambitious release yet. Everett’s McCartney-esque playing anchors a set of songs that draw on outlaw ballads, teenage journal scribbles, lounge pop, doomy psychedelia and arena rock bombast while remaining anchored in the good-natured melodic rock that defined their self-released EP “Rotation” in 2021 and their 2022 JEM Records release “We Realize You Have a Choice.”

​

The 77s celebrate the release of “Don’t Let Go” at Hank Dietle’s in Rockville, Maryland on Saturday, May 31. The show will serve as a swan song for Everett, who has moved out of the DMV, and also introduce the 77s new bass player, Gina Cocco.

​

Here’s a bit more on the songs:

​

First up is “1999 (Take Me Back),” a blast of retro emo that flips Prince’s apocalyptic party anthem on its head, wallowing in the long hangover of the 21st century. Andy’s epic guitar solo pays further tribute to the Purple One.

“Like Falling In Love” features Andy and Cal harmonizing like the Everly Brothers about the delights of forbidden fruit over a bed of nausea-inducing guitar synthesizers.

​

If there were any justice in the world, “Anyone But You” would underpin the pivotal scene in every romantic comedy for years to come. In this fallen world you, dear listener, can enjoy Cal’s Cole Porter-esque vocals and Andy’s Def Leppard power chords.

​

“Make ’Em Pay (Don’t Make it Easy)” is a criminal/political escapade in the tradition of “Jesse James,” “The Harder They Come” and “The Road Goes On Forever,” set in the ancient ridges of western Maryland. The narrator claims the mantle of Hero of the Revolution even though he’s just a scumbag.

​

“Summer Can’t Wait” captures the casual cruelty of teenagers, seesawing between sweet and sour. As Andy and Cal call to each other at dusk across an empty swimming pool.

​

“If It’s On, I’m In” is a classic 77s banger featuring too many chords, a narrator of dubious charm and a breakdown section that recalls Metallica on helium.

​

“Don’t Let Go” is a hypnotic tone poem with a seasick undertow, featuring a mesmerizing bass line by Cal and slabs of oceanic guitar noise.

​

“Girl on Fire” takes a Charles Ives ditty (“Circus Band”), adds a rhumba beat and a Motley Crue guitar break, and ends up with a meditation on the one-way nature of fandom. The girl in the spotlight who is smiling at you does not actually remember you from last year.

​

“She’s Everything” is Cal’s second contribution to the set, a blast of pure power pop. It doesn’t get much sunnier than this, people.

​

Drummer jokes aside, the percussionists in the band are often the most sensitive souls. Exhibit A: “The Hands of Time,” John’s debut as a lead singer and songwriter for the 77s.

​

The record closes with “Satellite,” a ballad about letting go and hoping for the best. We’re hoping you enjoy this record as much as we enjoyed making it – or finishing it at least.

​

For more information, visit airport77s.com or email andy.sullivan@gmail.com.