Recently, theatlanticcities.com named Richmond as one of the top music trendsetters in the country AND the world. Not only are there bands of great caliber popping up left and right, but we have so many long term bands that have and will continue to shape the scene. Way to go, RVA! Here’s what’s happening around town this week:
Recently, theatlanticcities.com named Richmond as one of the top music trendsetters in the country AND the world. Not only are there bands of great caliber popping up left and right, but we have so many long term bands that have and will continue to shape the scene. Way to go, RVA! Here’s what’s happening around town this week:
First up, Lorem Ipsum has released a couple kick-ass new tracks. “Luck Has It” has a rough edge with gritty guitars that seem extra polished due to the crisp recording. The song channels 90s “alternative” acts like STP or Queens of the Stone Age. “Food Warmed Over” juxtaposes NIN edge and falsetto woos with Jack White-style guitar licks. Let’s just say these guys know what’s they’re doing, and they’re doing it.
The band has new t-shirts (and stickers) with a pretty sweet design, so pick one up while you can. Lorem Ipsum plays @ Cellar Door next Saturday (5/26) with Navi and Heavy Midgets. Also catch them on “Richmond City Limits” on WRIR June 9.
Richmond native D.ue J.ustice has just released The OtH3r Side of the Universe, produced by James Dangle. The album has sweet beats, boss samples, and relentless flow. Check out “Prez Hustle” for real swag and “Seasons Change Dad” for the sweetest father voicemail sound byte.
Caleb Flood (Coald Toast, Vinegar) is a singer-songwriter that brings to mind Devendra Banhart. Sorry, the only link for him I could find was myspace, so it’s a tad outdated. He has just released an EP called El Duende. Flood recorded the album in Puerto Natales, Chile, so it has a little exoticism in its drugged-out folk. Standout track “River of Rolling Light” is the most listenable and approachable.
J. Static may be young, be he certainly has a handle on speedy, fresh flow. The title of his latest release, The CHRONICles, is the first sign that this music is pro-weed. The reference to sour diesel in the song “Tha Dopeness” remind us he’s down. He might overuse “swag” a bit, but who doesn’t these days? #YOLO The jury is still out on the “Eleanor Rigby” sample in “Rigby,” though.
Singer/songwriter Megan Parochka has just released a beautiful EP of six acoustic songs. It is just her voice and her guitar, and her songs are catchy. Her vocals are fairly intoxicating, with a slight Southern yodel and vast range. Keep an eye out for this girl.
photo by Sounds of RVA
Finally, I had the opportunity to see Spindrift from Los Angeles at Strange Matter on May 7th. Opening bands included Peace Beast (whom I missed, unfortunately) and Strangers Family Band (also from LA). I was able to film about four minutes of Spindrift playing, and it sounds alright. Their set included a slew of instrumentation (synths, double neck bass/baritone, pedal steel, etc.) and brought the venue to psychedelic Western territory. By the end of the night, everyone in the audience wanted to take a little peyote and wander in the desert for a while.
By Sarah Moore Lindsey (soundsofrva.tumblr.com)
