This article was featured in RVAMag #28: Spring 2017. You can read all of issue #26 here or pick it up at local shops around RVA right now.
Aerica Lauren
If You Are Home, Welcome Home
Heart-wrenching songwriting by a sincere, gutsy, and ambitious artist who quickly asserts herself in a town known for strong female songwriters. Lauren uses the space of her raw recordings to create tangible depth within her songs, allowing the harmonies to shine bright and the emotions to cut deep. Unexpectedly, the release leans towards bedroom pop at times, but one wrought with conflict, setback, and introspection that makes for a striking collection. (DN)
Antiphons
Groan
(Citrus City)
As Groan takes off, the listener should immediately be aware that they are about to be treated to one of the strongest debuts from a Richmond artist. Antiphons find a proper balance between the whimsy of artists like Fleet Foxes and fury of Dinosaur Jr. As Brian Dove croons throughout, a record detailing the travels throughout the continental United States and a romance faltering feels poignant and enchanting. An early, but strong frontrunner for record of the year. (SC)
Book Of Wyrms
Sci-fi/Fantasy
(Twin Earth)
A riveting debut record from a quintet strongly asserting themselves as one of Richmond’s best hard rockers. Dense guitar lines engage in a shouting match with the tight rhythm section, while Sarah Moore-Lindsey’s siren voice provides clarity and direction to each song. Naturally, there are plenty of epic moments provided by guitarists Ben Courdiet and Kyle Lewis, but this release really soars on its ability to reign in the songs and deliver succinct, yet blistering compositions. (DN)
Cherry Pits
Splatterday Nite
People recoiling at the shameless album cover will be surprised to find the record is actually quite accessible for those interested in garage and powerpop sounds. The songs fly fast and loose, though the band is in full control, expertly guiding it through the brash rollercoaster they’ve meticulously structured. With a great live feel to each song, the band’s delivered a great taste of their live shows that’s earning the band a strong reputation in and around Richmond. (DN)
Dazeases
Local Slut
(Egghunt)
It’s easy to see why Dazeases has become a favorite in town with each and every dystopian electronic foray into indie pop hitting its lofty mark on C R U M B S. Each tune languishes on tearing apart anything that remains taboo to discuss in how we treat and relate to one another while developing a harsh realm of loops, grooves and noises that fit well with each relative concept. Dazeases quickly engages audiences with the provocative and intensifying sounds to be found throughout C R U M B S. (SC)
Don Babylon
Babe
(Trrrash / Medical)
A winding road that leaves the listener wondering if they somehow landed on another record at times, Babe is a testament to the trio’s songwriting ability and attention for structure. Though rock for most of the record, the band flirts with other styles — maudlin, country, and post-punk — in a way that helps bookend sections of the record and allow strong compositions like “There Will Be Blood” to really shine through and leave a lasting impression. (DN)
Evan McKeel
Brown Paper Bag
(Self-Released)
A touching collection of songs from a young voice with plenty to express. The songs flow easy across, with gorgeous melodies and picture-perfect instrumentation, but what gets lost is how ambitious the record is at time, such as the expansive opening number. The album is guided by a patient, almost veteran hand that realizes there’s no rush in establishing the song, and takes care to ensure each song gets to where it is going by any means. (DN)
Flo Morrissey & Matthew E. White
Gentlewoman, Ruby Man
(Glassnote)
I will undoubtedly count first hearing Flo sing the chorus of “Thinking Bout You” as one of my happiest moments in recent memory. It’s an act of amplification — giving an implicitly powerful vocal part even more oomph within an atmosphere of loving and capable extrapolation. Lead single “Look At What The Light Did Now” hinted at the grand yet precise scope of this album, but track after track delivers a considered depth that ends up sounding easy. (DJ)
Reviews by Davy Jones, Doug Nunnally and Shannon Cleary
