Last Wednesday at The Republic it was Downbeat Switch and The Dream Machine. DBS opened and killed it; you can tell these guys have been playing together for more than a decade. They take great care in their mix and they play louder than hell, so their elemental differences really stand out. Jenna Be was absolutely belting it out in solid vocal harmony with guitarist Meredith Brooks. I had a profound moment, during a stream of rolling bass and muted heavy guitar, in which I felt like I was running through the end level of a video game, about to face the end guy. And I wasn't even stoned. Downbeat Switch is one of Richmond's jewels; they're professionally tight as shit and I can only assume that they'll keep getting better.
This Wednesday at The Republic, Radio Rubber Room features ROMA. These guys have a vast tonnage of influence; Tom Waits, gypsy rock, an unmistakable tinge of Beatles harmony, and an ever present punk rock delivery. In lead singer Charlie Padgett's voice I hear the solidity of Greg Graffin (Bad Religion) and the open scream of Tom Gabel (Against Me!). Personally I can't wait to hear a little punk rock in the mix. A few weeks back, singer/songwriter/superhottie Sofia Talvik promised that she would perform naked if the crowd quieted down. Well, this week, The Dream Machine bassist Brian Riley has promised to play naked if the crowd maintains a decible level of 50 dB(A). So, just make sure to be extra extra awesome this week at The Republic, 10pm.
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