Yes, it is true! For the first time since a triumphant Echostage performance in 2014, trippy indie pop legends alt-J are set to return to the D.C. area this summer. Formed a decade ago in Leeds, England, the trio were university friends with a shared loved of music and experimenting with new and unusual sounds. Their debut studio album, An Awesome Wave, propelled them into success with popular tunes, such as “Tessellate,” “Breezeblocks,” and “Fitzpleasure” that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. It was iTunes’ pick for Alternative Breakthrough Album in 2012 and they received nods from Rolling Stone as one of the “Must-See Acts” at major U.S. festivals in 2013. The 2014 follow-up release, This Is All Yours, was an equal sensation, with hit single “Left Hand Free” becoming the band’s first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. If all this does not yet have you convinced, the group is on the brink of releasing their third album, entitled Relaxer, after a three-year production hiatus, with two singles and accompanying videos/visualizers already released. This is a very exciting time to see this band! Not only is their Merriweather Post Pavilion show the kick-off of their 24-date U.S. tour, but it’s also their first North American concert since Boston Calling Festival in 2015 and will be their debut date after the release of Relaxer on this side of the pond. Wonky tour facts aside, just imagine a summer night show on the Merriweather lawn with alt-J’s sweet art rock tunes as the soundtrack. Exactly. This is not a show to miss!