Flowers for the Dead, First Place

They’re all in their early 20s, yet the young trio behind Flowers for the Dead project the slouchy confidence of seasoned scene vets on their new release, First Place—indeed, as guitarist and vocalist Jessie Szegö coolly repeats “I know what I want” on the standout final track, “Perfect View.” Although the weathered “1st prize big shot” pin adorning a cardigan in the album’s cover art may be tongue-in-cheek, the band’s rise in D.C. over the past few years has earned them the cred to back up this assuredness, and to push their sound in new directions. Szegö, bassist Ella Buskirk, and drummer Ten Bears play off each other smoothly and unhurriedly across the four-song EP, out Aug. 1, which at just under 10 minutes manages to feel both tight and expansive. (A

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