Remember Duchess Of York? The Richmond-based band started by talented teenaged brothers Michael and Austin York was making some waves on the Richmond scene a few years ago, playing regular gigs at the National and Toad’s Place, as well as performing on RVA Magazine’s own Carytown New Year’s Eve celebration back at the dawn of 2007.
Remember Duchess Of York? The Richmond-based band started by talented teenaged brothers Michael and Austin York was making some waves on the Richmond scene a few years ago, playing regular gigs at the National and Toad’s Place, as well as performing on RVA Magazine’s own Carytown New Year’s Eve celebration back at the dawn of 2007. However, a couple of years ago, the group slowly tapered off their performance schedule, disappearing for a long time to regroup and come up with new material. Along the way, the York brothers shed their former name and, at this point, still haven’t really taken on a new one. But they have begun performing once again, albeit under extremely informal circumstances; their first show in two years took place on the Fourth Of July at the 11th Annual Crowefest (otherwise known as the backyard party thrown every year by Trillions manager and friend of RVA Magazine Brandon Crowe). The Trillions, Goldrush, J Roddy Walston And The Business, and local Led Zeppelin cover band Zep Replica also performed, and a lot of local musicians and active members of the scene were on hand to witness the performance, as well as to enjoy barbecue, beverages, fireworks, and good company.
But everyone in attendance paid close attention when the York brothers hit the stage. Accompanied by their younger brother David on keyboards; Buster Bohannon on lead guitar; a trio of backing vocalists including their sister Ashley and Buster’s daughters Amy and Wendy (a real family affair, this group); and two different drummers (one of which was Tyler Williams of The Head And The Heart); they revealed several new songs to the public for the first time. The material was a big hit with the Crowefest crowd, who sang along and danced to Michael and Austin’s new tunes with big smiles on their faces. The songs they played had a crunchy power-pop feel that at times evoked 80s era pop bands like The Cars, or maybe even Eddie Money. Todd Raviotta was on hand documenting the proceedings, and brought back this video of the first song they played that night, which features Austin on lead vocals. The fidelity isn’t perfect, but you can hear enough to distinguish the quality of the music, and recognize what fun the band is having playing it. After the song is over, Michael mentions having been apprehensive about playing the show with as little practice as they’d had with their backing musicians, but it seems to have worked out great. Now we’ll just have to see what the Yorks decide to do next. I know there are plenty of RVA music fans who’d love to hear more new music from them, but for now this one video will have to do. Enjoy:
Words by Andrew Necci
Picture and Video by Todd Raviotta
