Philadelphia’s RYAT (pronounced “Riot”) will release their brand new album, Avant Gold, next Tuesday on Obvious Bandits, but they’re already more than a month into their promotional tour for that album. That tour hits Strange Matter tomorrow night, and discriminating indie and electronic music fans should plan to be in attendance, as it’s sure to be an excellent show. RYAT’s music has been compared to that of The Knife, a comparison that certainly makes sense. However, its rhythmically-based electronic textures combine with vocal and guitar melodies in a way that makes me think more quickly of Radiohead circa Kid A, or maybe even Bjork’s Post, at times. Group leader Christina Ryat’s voice is more conventionally polished than those of either Yorke or Bjork, though, and therefore the group’s melodies venture a lot closer to standard pop songs than one might expect. Underpinning it all is layer upon layer of percussion, mixing glitchy programmed beats a la Aphex Twin with tribal percussion and floor-shaking dance rhythms. The result is heavy enough to inspire serious dancefloor action, while still allowing the melodies a dominant enough role to get songs stuck in your head for days. Avant Gold is an excellent record, and if you’re lucky, RYAT will have copies for sale at Strange Matter tomorrow night, regardless of the still-forthcoming release date. Even if not, though, you’re guaranteed to catch a great show, especially with equally excellent Richmond bands Tungs and White Laces on the bill (plus newcomers Pretzlcoat, whom I haven’t yet heard and therefore can’t comment on).
WHAT: RYAT’s Avant Gold Tour hits RVA!
WHO: RYAT, Tungs, White Laces, and Pretzlcoat
WHERE: Strange Matter (929 W. Grace St.)
WHEN: Thursday, March 3 at 10 PM
ADMISSION: $5
As a taste of what you’ll be in for tomorrow night, here’s footage of RYAT performing “The Gaze,” from Avant Gold, in Vancouver last September:
Philadelphia’s RYAT (pronounced “Riot”) will release their brand new album, Avant Gold, next Tuesday on Obvious Bandits, but they’re already more than a month into their promotional tour for that album. That tour hits Strange Matter tomorrow night, and discriminating indie and electronic music fans should plan to be in attendance, as it’s sure to be an excellent show. RYAT’s music has been compared to that of The Knife, a comparison that certainly makes sense. However, its rhythmically-based electronic textures combine with vocal and guitar melodies in a way that makes me think more quickly of Radiohead circa Kid A, or maybe even Bjork’s Post, at times. Group leader Christina Ryat’s voice is more conventionally polished than those of either Yorke or Bjork, though, and therefore the group’s melodies venture a lot closer to standard pop songs than one might expect. Underpinning it all is layer upon layer of percussion, mixing glitchy programmed beats a la Aphex Twin with tribal percussion and floor-shaking dance rhythms. The result is heavy enough to inspire serious dancefloor action, while still allowing the melodies a dominant enough role to get songs stuck in your head for days. Avant Gold is an excellent record, and if you’re lucky, RYAT will have copies for sale at Strange Matter tomorrow night, regardless of the still-forthcoming release date. Even if not, though, you’re guaranteed to catch a great show, especially with equally excellent Richmond bands Tungs and White Laces on the bill (plus newcomers Pretzlcoat, whom I haven’t yet heard and therefore can’t comment on).
WHAT: RYAT’s Avant Gold Tour hits RVA!
WHO: RYAT, Tungs, White Laces, and Pretzlcoat
WHERE: Strange Matter (929 W. Grace St.)
WHEN: Thursday, March 3 at 10 PM
ADMISSION: $5
As a taste of what you’ll be in for tomorrow night, here’s footage of RYAT performing “The Gaze,” from Avant Gold, in Vancouver last September:
