A Shrewdness of Apes (ASOA) is DC prog, an ambitious three-piece inspired by the likes of Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Yes, and Alice in Chains. Their palate ranges from heavy effects-saturated riffs to intricate odd meter acoustic melodies. Protest songs, history, evolution, societal issues are just some of the lyrical topics covered in their repertoire. ASOA formed in 2013, and since then have relocated from Richmond and have released 5 EPs and 2 full-length albums. With A Shrewdness of Apes, expect the musically unexpected.

Fix your Hearts is a genre-blending band from Washington, D.C. that brings to the table loud, heavy, and emotive music. Formed by three best friends in 2016, FYH has operated under one ethos: make music with people that you love that makes you feel something.

Jerry-X is an alternative metal band from Fairfax VA. Established in 2025, they won the garage battle of the bands with their original debut.