Emotional World / The Flash Hits / Hushing

Emotional World, The Flash Hits, and Hushing bring an eclectic rock bill to Rhizome DC, moving between angular and noisy guitar work, dreamy songwriting, exploratory post-punk, art rock, micro-psychedelia, and hypnotic rhythms. The evening also marks Hushing’s first live show.

Emotional World formed in 2018 when members of the Washington, DC bands Flasher, Kid Claws, and Big Hush—Owen Wuerker, Emilie Toler, Emma Baker, and Cyd Birch—began collaborating on open-ended songs. Their music pairs sharp, noisy guitars with dreamlike textures and balances introspective passages against more explosive performances.

The Flash Hits began in 2012 as a four-track collaboration between Damien C. Taylor, associated with The Sounds of Kaleidoscope and Asteroid #4, and Mike Hammel of Lilys and False Tracks. Their early exchange produced the 38-song demo *World Tore*, with Jordan Blumling of Gondola also contributing. The project later expanded into a full band, releasing *The Basement Tape*, *The Bloodline Tape*, and *Noises*, the latter assembled from sessions recorded on both coasts with rotating collaborators from groups including Pink Skull, Adam & Dave’s Bloodline, and Asteroid #4.

After Taylor relocated to Los Angeles in 2013, The Flash Hits continued through changing lineups, released *Arts & Crafts* in 2015, and often played with Dead Meadow. The band’s 2017 album *Recognitions* reunited Taylor with Hammel and Blumling and included Scott Verrastro of Bardo Pond and Dennis Wilfong of Wolf Fang. Their 2022 release *Growths*, produced by Jason Simon of Dead Meadow and issued by Frontier Records, developed their combination of post-punk, art rock, and micro-psychedelia. Their more recent album *Witch Kids Seek Magic World* was recorded with Bill Fries of Wax Pets and features Ryan Van Kreidt, Dan Angel, and Kacey Barnes. The project continues to emphasize adventurous guitar arrangements, entrancing rhythms, and poetic lyrics.

Hushing features Nalinee Darmrong, Robert Austin, Mike Dugan, and Jorge Rubiera, whose previous groups include Owl & Crows, Measles Mumps Rubella, Thee Snuff Project, and The Downhome Southernaires. Their sound centers on forceful rhythms, abrasive guitars, and atmospheric vocals.

When: Friday, October 9, 2026

Showtimes: Doors open at 7:00 PM; the show begins at 7:30 PM. The event is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Tickets: $10–$20

Lineup: Emotional World; The Flash Hits; Hushing

Emotional World: Owen Wuerker, Emilie Toler, Emma Baker, and Cyd Birch

Hushing: Nalinee Darmrong, Robert Austin, Mike Dugan, and Jorge Rubiera

Venue: Rhizome DC

Note: This is Hushing’s first show.