FEATURE SHOW
Saturday, July 21, 10pm
The Diamond Center, Creepoid, Ttotals, Canary oh Canary, Revolt of the Apes DJ @ Strange Matter – $TBA/18+
Wow, what a show. Everybody is going to be at this miracle. Setting the tone will be the DJ extraordinaire, Revolt of the Apes. Soundscapes have never tasted so delicious. Then you’ve got easily one of the best, most unique, hauntingly amazing bands in Richmond, Canary oh Canary. What is Canary oh Canary? It’s what I’ll call garage-gaze. It’s spirited, dandelion music, centered on Michael Harl’s esoteric lyrics, that takes you away like Calgon.
FEATURE SHOW
Saturday, July 21, 10pm
The Diamond Center, Creepoid, Ttotals, Canary oh Canary, Revolt of the Apes DJ @ Strange Matter – $TBA/18+
Wow, what a show. Everybody is going to be at this miracle. Setting the tone will be the DJ extraordinaire, Revolt of the Apes. Soundscapes have never tasted so delicious. Then you’ve got easily one of the best, most unique, hauntingly amazing bands in Richmond, Canary oh Canary. What is Canary oh Canary? It’s what I’ll call garage-gaze. It’s spirited, dandelion music, centered on Michael Harl’s esoteric lyrics, that takes you away like Calgon.
Then the out of town buffet supreme. Creepoid, out of Philly, will deliver us from evil and shower us with their spaced out, plugged in, acoustic, atmospheric flavor. I do love the reverb, and Creepoid has it with the gorgeous never ending telepathic guitar sound that has me playing their album Horse Heaven on repeat. Ttotals are totally awesome, dude. I mean, their Spaceman 3-like sound, coupled with the inner workings of a garage and a 90s beat, has me believing. Silently there is a loud roar coming out of Nashville, and it’s Ttotals. So good, they added a ‘T’. Damn, who are these guys? They’re fantastic.
Then the reason why we all breathe, The Diamond Center will take the stage, and you better pay attention. This psychedelic rock band from right here in Richmond Vee Aye has everybody yearning for more. The Diamond Center is a carousel of dreams, thoughts, and intuitions only the subliminal can call home. Thanks to those crazy life experiences, this is going to be the Diamond Center’s last show for the year. They are taking a much needed break, and are recording a new full-length LP among other things!
Join us at this Show of the Year candidate won’t you? Because if you don’t, you are a pathetic loser who doesn’t deserve life.
Wednesday, July 18, 8pm
Blitzen Trapper @ The National – $18/All Ages
The band that I feel are perhaps the most underrated alt-country band out there, Blitzen Trapper, comes to us from Portland, Oregon via Sub Pop Records. Blitzen Trapper’s blend of experimental country, folk, and rock meshed with vivid storytelling in the vocals is one that cannot be missed, for sure. No ‘ifs,’ ‘ands,’ or ‘buts.’
Most noted for their near perfect album, Wild Mountain Nation, which made Rolling Stone’s top albums in ’08, Blitzen Trapper come complete with stories from the mountains, valleys and meadows across this great land of ours. It is a real treat to have this band among us. It would be a smart idea to attend this night of musical rapture. Take me to Appalachia, and step on it.
Thursday, July 19, 7pm
Lobo Marino (LP Release), Antlers, Dave Watkins @ Gallery 5 (Upstairs) – Free/All Ages
Lobo Marino recorded an album last month in front of a live studio audience. What did you do? Okay, I kid, but this fantastic folksy experimental indie duo, comprised of Jameson Price and Laney Sullivan, is a beacon of Richmond’s current music scene. Sometimes joined by Nathanial Roseberry, Lobo Marino plays the songs that matter–their own.
Lobo Marino is kicking off their long tour this night in support of said live album, Kite Festival. I cannot think of a more beautiful sounding band to listen to on Thursday night than Lobo Marino. Do catch them immediately, for they will not play Richmond again until winter time.
Oh my Shaka Smarts! Antlers are playing? Nice; I’m there. Antlers are brazen with a capital Bev’s Ice Cream. Antlers are comprised of former members of Mass Movement of the Moth, Olive Tree, and Resonance. Since 2007, Antlers has been performing independent, truly stand-alone, ambient noisy rock and roll that is something to be heard. I know I enjoy their racket, as should you.
Local singer/songwriter Dave Watkins opens, as he too is kicking off a tour.
Friday, July 20, 7pm
Worn In Red (Record Release), Sundials, Equestrians, Sea Of Storms @ Gallery 5 – $5/All Ages
Richmond and Charlottesville’s Worn in Red are kicking off their tour in support of their new album, Banshees. Word on the street is that this album is hot–damn hot. Worn in Red, in case you didn’t know, is thick, blistering, excitingly well crafted hardcore. They find their inspiration through bands like Sleepytime Trio, Maximillian Colby, Action Patrol, and Hot Water Music.
By all means show your support to what is arguably the hardest working band in all of Virginia. Every time I’ve seen this band, I’ve always been inspired. Besides, Matt Neagle is really cute. Richmond punkers Sundials will ransack your equilibrium, as Equestrians and Sea of Storms will storm their way through your waiting ears. What a grandiose evening this is going to be at the 5!
Friday, July 20, 10pm
Proverbial, Kings of Belmont @ On the Rox – $5/21+
Proverbial is a delightful seven piece jam band that blends rock, reggae, funk, and hip hop. This magnificent seven puts the ‘high’ in high energy, as their live shows continue to grow with fans and outstanding reviews. Catch Proverbial before they explode into the masses, which is where I see this band heading.
Charlottesville’s Kings of Belmont open this juggernaut with their indie jam rock treasures that will only have you bouncing off the walls. Bring your dancing shoes, for this night at On the Rox, the fabulous, somewhat new venue in the Bottom you should definitely check out, is going to be beyond fun and entertaining.
Saturday, July 21, 10pm
IBN UBO, Country, comedian David Marie-Garland @ The Nile – $TBA/21+
All kinds of music and experimentation are going on at the Nile these days, and this night is no exception. Throw in a power duo, some noise, and the best comedian in Richmond, and this Saturday night at the Nile could best be described as one for the books. Ex-Richmonder and tantalizing drummer Joey Fitchett brings his new band from Austin, IBN UBO, to town. IBN UBO is a ballistic two piece of jazz-spazz that will take the jugular and turn it into mincemeat. Drums and a fierce guitar is all you need to turn heads at this cotillion.
Nothing like a little bit of noise to go with that power, wouldn’t you say? Country is a gruesome twosome noise bake comprised of Bill Porter of Bermuda Triangles and Weird Alchemist fame, along with Joe Legzz of Contortionist Jazz Exotica. Get ready to live after these barrels of monkeys splash the living daylights into your evanescent minds. Oh my word, then there’s David Marie Garland. Simply put, I can’t stop laughing. Maybe I should slide on down to the Nile Saturday night, and tell them Reverend Cleophus sent me.
Sunday, July 22, 9pm
Venomous Maximus, Fire Faithful @ Wonderland – $5/21+
This Sunday night in the Bottom has metal infatuation written all over it. Texas’ self described occult rock/metal band, Venomous Maximus, comes to Richmond with loud and rude in mind. If you like Pentagram, Blue Cheer, or High on Fire, then this band is for you. The sonic doom metal of Richmond’s Fire Faithful will by all means be joining in this melee, in what is sure to be an ear bleeding evening. Shockoe Bottom is back and Wonderland is leading the way.
Sunday, July 22, 8pm
Clutch, Prong, Lionize @ The National – $18 Advance / $22 Door/All Ages
Clutch has certainly reached legendary status. These lads have been performing their take on hard rock, stoner rock, and metal for 22 years. Following Neil Fallon’s built for rock and roll vocals, guitarist Tim Sult, bassist Dan Maines, and drummer Jean-Paul Gaster are the quintessential hard rocking quartet that never leave audiences unsatisfied. Clutch’s song’s have definitely matured over the years, and more than give credence to this band’s intelligent reach with their lyrics, power and delivery.
Prong, like Clutch, has been around forever, but show zero signs of slowing down. This New York City hardcore band is like a fine wine, they just get juicier with age. Comprised of numerous band members through the years, Prong 2012 is original member and vocalist/guitarist Tommy Victor, bassist Tony Campos, and drummer Alexei Rodriguez. The brutality of Prong hasn’t wavered at all. This band is a must see, for they are a seminal band to many in the hardcore world.
DC’s Lionize will get the stage all warm and fuzzy as they open the night with their astounding dark reggae infused hard rock. It’s something to hear I tell you. Getting to the National early will be worth it.
Monday, July 23, 9pm
Antero @ The Camel – Free/18+
Reggae Mondays at the Camel better showcase the best reggae band in Richmond if they are going to deem Mondays as Reggae Mondays–and they do. Antero is a super concoction of the best reggae musicians in Richmond. As far as their unique sound, with a nice arsenal of reggae covers, Antero is a beautiful dance among the stars.
Originality wins out with Antero, instead of facing the same old boring live reggae we’re used to, the ‘call and response’ gives way to inspiring funk, dub, ska and rocksteady. Richmond has a reggae sound, and it’s at the Camel tonight. Mondays usually suck people, but a Monday night with Antero will only build up the adrenaline.
Tuesday, July 24, 7:30pm
The Listening Room Series featuring the Hill and Wood, Honey Watts, Birds and Arrows @ Firehouse Theatre – Free/All Ages
The Listening Room series continues to showcase the musicians that true musicians want to hear. Tuesday night, at the best off, off, off, off, off (sorry, got carried away there) theatre in Richmond, are three luxurious bands that will melt your hearts.
Charlottesville’s the Hill and Wood is a definite indie outfit to hear. They have folk roots, but have crossed over to a sound comparable at times to the chamber-pop melodies of Belle & Sebastian or Wilco. Songwriting is not even close to being a lacking substance with the Hill and Wood. In fact, it is quite the opposite, with their chiming tales of mesmerizing communications that will only relieve the anxieties.
Honey Watts is Liz Fullerton and Carl Cheeseman. This duo’s ambient folk, Americana and country is a chilling reminder of pure talent. Birds and Arrows are a trio of romantic energy with their version of pop-folk. This Chapel Hill outfit is electrifying. Their depth is only the early window to what is a chilling tale of the Carolina mindset.
Come out of the barn; run, don’t walk, to the Firehouse Theatre at Lombardy and Broad St.; and take in what I consider to be the most underrated event in Richmond–the Listening Room Series.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)
