NoVa band releases album today

Northern Virginia soul-rock-fusion band Politicks releases its latest album Friday with a show in Arlington.

Politicks, a five-person group, including lead singer Matthew Green of Manassas, formed at Radford University in 2001.

The band developed a loyal fan base for its live, energetic shows and eclectic, melodic sound. Politicks has also shared a stage with several renowned and Grammy-award winning artists, including Al Green, Lauryn Hill, The Roots and Blind Melon, and has also received regular radio play on WDC101.1 FM. The group also appeared briefly on Fox's reality TV series "The Next Great American Band."

The latest album, "Paint It In Color," is the long-awaited follow-up to 2007's "Two Coffees, One Juice."

The band recorded most "Paint It" songs in guitarist Mike Trella's home studio and mixed them in Vermont with Mix Magazine writer and producer Julian McBrowne.

Two of the songs ("Paint It In Color" and "Wait Til the Morning") were recorded in Nashville. This is the first album, engineered and produced largely by the group.

Manassas vocalist Green, Trella, guitarist Brian Chafin, drummer Brendan McCourt and bassist Mike Tony Echols bring their funky sound to Iota Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, for a 21-and-over CD release party Friday starting at 9 p.m.

The Influence and Atom Strange open. Tickets are $10. The new CD will be available at the show and on iTunes.

WANT TO GO?

» WHAT'S UP: Northern Virginia soul-rock fusion group Politicks releases its third album, "Paint it in Color," with The Influence and Atom Strange

» WHEN: June 12, 9 p.m.

» WHERE: Iota Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlingto

» TICKETS: $10, 21 and older

» INFO: Visit http://www.iotaclubandcafe.com or http://www.politicksband.com