After eight years and who knows how many CDs, LPs, and CD-Rs, Washington D.C.’s Sockets Records closed up shop in February following a final concert/ merch-blowout at the Black Cat. Hume and Imperial China – two of the label’s longest running bands – went down with it, making the label’s closing party their final show.

Now, more than six months later, we have picked up some of the label’s remaining stock and made it available via Dischord Direct.

Founded by Sean Peoples, Sockets began as a CD-R label that focused mainly on experimental music – releasing improv-oriented works by groups like Na (Japan) and Kohoutek (DC), as well as an audio-zine series that featured contributions from Dischord artists like Guy Picciotto and Justin Moyer. After a number of releases, the label moved on to vinyl records, releasing LPs by groups like Skeletons, Buildings, and Deleted Scenes.

You can watch a 30-minute documentary on the label here. (Aaron Leitko)

Buildings – Everything in Parallel

Buildings’ debut LP. Lush instrumental rock that’s heavy on the guitar solos.

Hume – Penumbra

The debut mini-LP by Washington, D.C.-based quartet, Hume. Captures the group in its first full-band line-up, playing music that's about 50/50 power-pop and prog. A split release between Sockets and J Street Records.

Hume – Inverse Fireworks b/w One Drug

Two songs by Hume. The band's first release with guitarist Peter Tran and only record to feature keyboard playing by pianist Leo Svirsky.

Macaw – Celadon

Six ambient compositions recorded using a Roland TR-707 and various analog synthesizers by Hume drummer Wilson Kemp. Pressed on translucent green vinyl with hand-screened cover art in black or brown.