Article Text

Bitter Luck is pushing original rock in a Northern Virginia music scene crowded with tribute acts and familiar cover songs.

Singer Ean Eschenburg and drummer Eric Levy formed the band after playing together in Mojo Aces, previously known as Summer of George. They joined guitarist Andrei Wells and bassist Will Gies, drawing members from Arlington, Burke and nearby communities.

The group released its first single, “Drag,” in mid-May. Written by Eschenburg, the song channels frustration with romantic disappointments, unmet expectations, apathy and the repetition of performing the same cover tunes.

The band has also written “Show Your Hand,” a song built around poker imagery and the refrain, “Tell me, what’s it gonna be?”

Wells had been preparing to pursue music in California, but wildfires delayed his move. His future bandmates persuaded him to remain in the area and join Bitter Luck.

Music is not yet the members’ full-time occupation. Eschenburg works during the week as community television coordinator at Greenspring Village in Springfield, while the other musicians also hold day jobs.

Eschenburg said tribute and cover bands have a natural advantage because audiences already recognize their material. That familiarity, he said, can make venues less willing to book performers offering original rock.

Bitter Luck is nevertheless making its own songs the centerpiece of its shows—even as Wells’ long black hair, red scarf and white snakeskin boots have prompted social-media comparisons to Jimmy Page.

The band is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Songbyrd Music House, 540 Penn St. NE in Washington, alongside Chay, ViciousVelvet and Divide.