Well it’s still cold, but there’s nothing to be done about it yet. However, if you feel strong enough to brave the cold and refuse to succumb the temptations of winter hibernation, then allow me to light up your week with the greatest music coming out of and into the city. This weekend The Thing takes on The Camel with the backup of two well-loved Richmond groups, a new brass band celebrates Mardi Gras at Black Iris next Tuesday, and a I’ll talk about a number of releases put out in the previous weeks. We’ve got it all for you and more on this week’s SOUND CHECK.
Are you a listener with suggestions, an artist with new tunes or just want to say hi? Send an email to Bones@rvamag.com
out of town acts to see
THE THING
Friday February 10th @ The Camel
Doors: 9:00 pm
Just a night of some good old-fashioned rock and roll from across the spectrum of sounds. Out of New York with solid indie sound that transcends decades and could come from anywhere at anytime, The Thing are just what you’re looking for. With a sound that is never intrusive, yet with complete and utter control over their dynamics, tone, rhythm… hell, control over everything, they are a band that have mass appeal yet make memorable tracks that are consistently interesting. Follow The Thing on Instagram.
Opening for The Thing on this stacked Friday night at The Camel is Nancy Raygun, the lovable home grown Richmond three piece who released an EP Wasted in November and are for sure going to be showing off their new tracks. Add onto that the psychedelic powerhouse that is Mad Abbey and you’ve got a killer Friday night. If you are nowhere else this weekend, then hop on out to Richmond’s premier Indie venue to catch a night of high energy rock and roll.
local & Regional acts to see
SAY LESS BRASS BAND
Tuesday, February 13th @ Black Iris Social Club
Doors: 7:00 pm
If you’re a fan of brass band music and want to celebrate Mardi Gras in as authentic a way as possible, then you simply must check out Say Less Brass Band at Black Iris Social Club. Hot on the scene, and with killer horn arrangements, this group of local will blast your socks off with some traditional New Orleans tunes with some fresh new ideas and the energy to boot. Plus you’ll get a side a bowl of gumbo and I’m sure there will be plenty of beads to toss at whomever one pleases.
local & Regional Releases
BOOK OF WYRMS & ILLA STYLES
“Hollergoblin (Remix)” (single)
Originally off the 2021 Book of Wyrms album Occult New Age, this new take on their classic track “Hollergoblin” includes new verses by Richmond’s Illa Styles over the spacey vibes of the bands well known sound. At almost eight minutes long it is a track track that knows how to take it’s time employing hypnotic repetitive riffs that suck the listener in and keep them entranced on a journey though a flawless meld of hip hop and rock and roll, with more than few surprises thrown in. Follow Book of Wyrms on Instagram.
KENDALL STREET COMPANY
“Snow Day” (single)
Kicking off the monthly releases this year from rising jam band legends Kendall Street Company, “Snow Day” captures the whimsy of childhood snow days while also shutting down those happy memories with the harsh realities of being caught in a snow storm. Featuring the banjo playing and singing of Andy Thorn this track is a great winter tune that speaks for the season while not resigning itself to the realm of a holiday song.
What I’ve been listening to
LONNIE HOLLEY
Oh Me Oh My (album) 2023
A beautiful and haunting work, this seminal album by 73 year old artist Lonnie Holley is a triumph of music discussing the harsh realities of his home land of Alabama and the generational traumas engendered. From melodic and diatonic, to atonal, arrhythmic and nightmarish, this collection of songs is an example of how compiling a group of tracks together reaches a higher level of impact than any single song could by itself.
My favorite tracks:
- “Oh Me Oh My”
- “Mount Meigs”
