What is it about a rainy Spring afternoon or evening that makes composition and writing flow so naturally? Sure, rain can kill attendance at what would otherwise be a rager of a show. But rain is ultimately some pretty righteous inspiration. It looks like the mood has hit Richmond musicians in all kinds of genres, because so much music is being pumped out right now.
What is it about a rainy Spring afternoon or evening that makes composition and writing flow so naturally? Sure, rain can kill attendance at what would otherwise be a rager of a show. But rain is ultimately some pretty righteous inspiration. It looks like the mood has hit Richmond musicians in all kinds of genres, because so much music is being pumped out right now. Let’s take a look:
First up, we have Torch (not to be confused with metal band Torche), which is a project by Brookelyn Latham. The song is called “What Don’t You Do Right.” A goth, jazzy, and burlesque (although no one takes anything off) sound is contained in a modern-esque (revealed by contemporary keyboards, et.) 1920s-era reading room. Meanwhile, Latham coos and coils her slinky black dress about the microphone stand.
video by Hunter Tate
Abyss is a new Southern metal band that just released a new EP. Their bandcamp has their songs with the wrong names on them, but you can still listen. If you want to download the songs with the original titles, go here. Guitarist Eric Hoyt took a few minutes to answer some questions for us:
Are you all from Richmond?
Yes, we all are from Richmond, and several of us are in different Richmond bands as well. I also play guitar in Basement Dweller and Valor in Pride; our drummer Parker Black is in Black Brothers, Vulture, and Renegades, and our bass player Austin sings for Break Away and also plays bass in Renegades. Our singer Ryan Burns is currently working on putting together a punk band.
Do you have a favorite RVA venue?
As a collective I would say our favorite venues of all time in Richmond were The Warehouse, the Grace Street Mansion, and the Nanci Raygun, all of which have been shut down, unfortunately. Otherwise, Strange Matter and The Camel are both great fun to play. House or basement shows are also always a good time. We’re willing to play pretty much anywhere!
What would your ideal Saturday be like?
An early breakfast on the water, go fishing, jam for awhile, lift some weights, eat outrageous amounts of food at Alamo BBQ for lunch, hang out on a porch and play some more music, eat a chronic dinner, pet a dog, play a gnarly show, cause a ruckus at a party till the wee hours of the morning, sleep and repeat.
Who are some of your influences, and what have you been listening to lately?
All of us have a background in hardcore punk and metal, so we draw influences from a great variety of those types of bands. In particular, Eyehategod, Sleep, Corrosion of Conformity, Integrity, Weedeater, Black Sabbath, and War Hungry all have provided inspiration for us while writing music for Abyss. Right now, the new Fire & Ice record, the Friend or Foe 7″, Johnny Cash (always), and James Blake are giving us all good vibes.
What was the first show you ever attended?
Personally, the first show I attended was Municipal Waste with Battlemaster, Iron Lung, and Coliseum, in 2007 or 2008 I believe. Rhythm guitarist Sean Brulon’s first show was Avail a few years back. Ryan’s first show was The Casualties when he was 13. Bass player Austin’s first show was Agent Orange and Direct Control at the Nanci Raygun (RIP). Parker’s first show was the first he played with The Half Jeffersons.
What is the coolest thing about the Richmond music scene?
All of us are very excited about the Richmond music scene. We love that this city is home to so many amazing bands of incredibly varied genres. It’s also awesome that the music scene as a whole is very inclusive and interconnected, and eager to help out new bands with shows and constructive criticism. The only negative thing we see about the scene is the lack of venues, particularly DIY venues.
How did your band get together?
Vocalist Ryan Burns one day came up with the idea of creating a southern metal band while eating Chinese food at Regency Mall, and he pitched the idea to me. From there, our good friend Austin became involved. Another friend, Ian Hurdle (who recorded our EP), recommended rhythm guitarist Sean Brulon, who in turn hit up his smoking partner Parker Black, who drums for us.
Photo by Jeremy Ledford
Bust Crew RVA shows off some of the coolest skating moves in this video called “Busy Crew Sundays #2”. Okay, so I may barely know an “ollie” from a “half-pipe,” but judge for yourself. Music included is by Eurotics, RVA’s own loud surf/garage punks (picture below).
photo by Becca Weil
Galaxy Girl on WRIR (who hosts the Breakfast Blend on Thursday mornings) has been hitting the scene, going to some great shows and getting some cool footage. In April (4/10), she saw Fire Bison at Strange Matter. Check out the video below:
Lastly, Farm Vegas just released a Demos, B-Sides, Rarities album that includes such gems as a cover of Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.” You can catch these guys all over the place this summer. First catch them next weekend (5/20) @ Brown’s Island for Dominion Riverrock. They will be opening @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (5/21) opening for Carbon Leaf. They will also play the awesome Floyd Fest in July, so make your plans accordingly.
By Sarah Moore Lindsey (soundsofrva.tumblr.com)
