Yuma House

The power pop quartet known as Yuma House began generating attention within their native Washington, D.C. environment after putting out their sophomore effort, Future Perfect. This record captured The Journal's Local Album of the Year honor, a notable achievement amid the abundance of standout acts from the area, such as Fugazi and their highly acclaimed Argument release from that identical period. Lou King, the publication's music critic, singled out the Yuma House track "Smiles" not merely as "brilliant" but as his own favorite track of the year. Prior to emerging as a favorite in the capital city's rock community, the group—featuring vocalist and guitarist Don Brasek alongside guitarist Danny Espinoza, bassist Eric Chang, and drummer Lee Huber—issued their debut self-titled record back in 1998. Strong airplay across more than 200 college stations followed, prompting the band to share their material online through multiple platforms and thereby reaching wider listeners, which paved the way for the 2002 successor Future Perfect. Garageband Records put out this collection consisting of seven tracks plus an MPEG video accompanying the opener "(Write Off) Summer." An extensive tour along the East Coast ensued in support, extending westward to Chicago for a March appearance at the International Pop Overthrow Festival.