The Virginia State Fair starts this weekend, and there is no shortage of music going on. From Foghat on Friday, September 28th to Highland Springs' legendary The Barracudas (since 1964) on Wednesday, October 3rd, there's something for everyone. This week, in the meantime, has a lot of music news going on. Here we go:
Lucy Dacus has just released an EP called Girls Back Home. It features musicians Jacob Blizard (Parlour Shakedown) on guitars, ukulele, and bass, Ali Thibodeau on claps, vocals, and general musery, and Collin Pastore (see Herro Sugar's album below) on guitar, bass, and engineering the disc. Listen to the title track for soothing ukulele instrumentation and layers of Dacus' delicate, compelling vocals.
Lucy Dacus will be at Guardian [apparently a private venue--we don't know where it is either-ed.] with Chappo, Beast Patrol and The Smiffs in October. Thanks to Christian Detres!
Clair Morgan has put out a teaser track from his upcoming No Notes, due on November 13. Morgan also owns and runs video production company Morning Paper Music. It is also interesting to note that he and his lovely bride were featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch's "Sweet Deets" about their wedding in 2010.
"Breathe Out" runs in a neat time signature (7/8) for a fun pace. The constant, streaming guitar lick creates a wonderful atmosphere along with the mantra "Breathe Out..." and lush percussion.
Here is "Breathe Out:"
Cheyenne recently played at Gallery 5 for First Friday as part of the Subterranea Collective Showcase. Here is a track recorded that night called "Golden Palms."
photo by Sheree Chen
Herro Sugar has put together a sweet album called Smoking General Kills Sturgeon, with the help with Collin Pastore (see above). The songs range from rock and roll with a Weezer edge to restrained pop. Listen to the initial track "Fat Jackson" for shimmering guitars and jaunty licks.
"Take a Ride" with E-Money and Rachet Man through the streets of Richmond City. This new video has car roof freestylin and hometown reppin.
Strumpet has also released an EP called Collection of Songs this month, consisting of four songs of pop grandeur. Check out "Melanie-gypsy-folk" for a really cool hook that flows throughout the song in crescendoing group vocals or guitar. "Lights are Off, Pants are Down" is new wave yet industrial, in a lo-fi Muse "Uprising" sort of way.
Check out Strumpet @ The Camel on 10/8 with Stoaglee, Punch Button, and Red Light Radio.
Sometimes we save the best for last. In this case, Warren Hixson definitely takes the cake. Thank you to Nelly Kate for the heads up! Warren Hixson has released Cruel Whims (10"). Brent Delventhal is the man behind the band, and he gathers choice musicians from Richmond to play in his band. The sound is a wonderful mix of surf, psychedelia, and Casio pop. The album, pressed by Deep Woods Collective, goes in and out of dream-like states, as surf rock transforms into wood nymph territory. Hixson's tape echoes give this amazing album a certain texture and mood. Hixson's Devendra-falsetto will lull you into a gentle haze. Bohemian, trance-like "I Feel Like Tim Robbins" will have you at one with nature in no time. RIYL: Animal Collective, Ween.
You've got to check out Warren Hixson @ Cous Cous 10/6 and at Steady Sounds for the release show 10/26! The band includes Miss Nelly Kate herself.
As if the album itself is not incredible enough, here is a video of Hixson playing an acoustic version of "Dress Like a Policeman."
Finally, here is a recording of Warren Hixson's latest appearance on WRIR radio on Paul's Boutique.
By Sarah Moore Lindsey (soundsofrva.com)