For several years now, there’s been a strong and passionate scene percolating just under the radar in the world of Richmond music. Call the style Southern rock, alt-country, Americana, roots music, or anything else that might be appropriate–the truth is there isn’t really one term that can describe all of it. But it’s united by a love for the traditional sounds of American music: country, blues, early rock n’ roll, and the undefinable but ever-present sound of the South. And Long Arms are one of the prime exponents of this sound at work in RVA today.
For several years now, there’s been a strong and passionate scene percolating just under the radar in the world of Richmond music. Call the style Southern rock, alt-country, Americana, roots music, or anything else that might be appropriate–the truth is there isn’t really one term that can describe all of it. But it’s united by a love for the traditional sounds of American music: country, blues, early rock n’ roll, and the undefinable but ever-present sound of the South. And Long Arms are one of the prime exponents of this sound at work in RVA today. Therefore, it’s only appropriate that they’ll be headlining a night of down-home booze-swillin’ country/blues/boogie/what-have-you at Strange Matter this Monday night. Frontman James Menefee has been keeping busy with the reunion of his original teenage pop-punk band, Fun Size, recently, but Long Arms is still going strong, and they’ll be dishing out plenty of Paul Westerberg/Jeff Tweedy-style jams for your enjoyment.
Long Arms
In addition to Long Arms, Nashville’s Delta Saints will be in town, touring to promote their brand new album Death Letter Jubilee. The Delta Saints draw influence from the town they live in and the region they’re named for, mixing Delta blues sounds and Nashville’s country legacy together with a strange mixture of devilish lyrical content and the angelic singing voice of bandleader Ben Ringel. Expect blazing energy and killer tunes from these guys, who’ll have Strange Matter rockin’ and rollin’ while they’re onstage.
The Delta Saints
The evening will kick off in fine fashion with a performance by The Blue And The Grey, a new local group featuring half a dozen musicians playing such old-timey instruments as banjo, mandolin, and upright bass in contemplative acoustic fashion. While The Delta Saints pack enough energy to blow the roof off the joint, the sound of The Blue And The Grey is a bit more instrospective and emotionally focused. However, the attention they require will be rewarded many times over, as their tunes feature a depth and quality that is rare enough in this day and age to be quite remarkable. It’s all happening next Monday night at Strange Matter, so disregard the early sunset and the cold temperatures, get out of the house, and remind yourself that even though it’s the dead of winter, you’re still alive. We’ll see you there!
WHAT: Long Arms And The Delta Saints Demonstrate the Shocking Power Of Rock N’ Roll!
WHO: Long Arms, The Delta Saints, The Blue And The Grey
WHERE: Strange Matter, 929 W. Grace St.
WHEN: Monday, January 28, Doors open at 9 PM
ADMISSION: $5
