FEATURE SHOW
Friday, November 16, 10 p.m.
Snowy Owls (EP release--photo by PJ Sykes), The Heavy Midgets, Herro Sugar @ Strange Matter - $5/18+
One of the best bands in Richmond, which you should definitely check out, is Snowy Owls. This melodic sounding band with an emphasis on the driving guitar is performing in connection with the release of their new EP. Snowy Owls is the brainchild of Matt Klimas and his miracle guitar. Of course, many local musicians know of Matt, but if you haven’t heard his talents, then check out this show and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t be surprised if Snowy Owls take you on a journey of colorful sounds that keep it all on the down low. There are some musicians/bands I feel that can go deep into the wild blue yonder of America, Matt Klimas and Snowy Owls are certainly one of them.
Also on this all-Richmond bill are the Heavy Midgets and Herro Sugar. The Heavy Midgets continue to gain popularity and praise from the local scene with their astrology rock and roll. Heavy Midgets are Jenn Hall, Charlanne McCarthy, Ian McQuary, and John Graham. This foursome is young, talented and driven, so watch out, Richmond--the Heavy Midgets mean business.
Herro Sugar will save you every time with their sweet take on indie pop-rock.
Wednesday, November 14, 8 p.m.
Truth and Salvage Co. with Jesse Thomas and Tim Brantley @ Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall
For fans of Wilco, Squirrel Nut Zippers, the first incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, and the Jayhawks, Truth and Salvage Co. is a band you can sink your teeth into. This country-rock band, thanks to endless touring and the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson (who produced their album and released it on his label), continues to turn heads. Twangy guitars have never felt as good to the ear as Truth and Salvage Co.’s sound. Their music is a saloon full of undertakings and truth. Anytime a band utilizes four vocalists, you know we are going to get down, and playing at a venue with--what, 200 different beers on tap or on the menu?--things could get like an outlaw wedding gone awry. I love it.
The wonderful singer-songwriters Jesse Thomas and Tim Brantley open this chuck wagon and they are certainly worth finding parking early--which is free on the street after six P.M, by the way.
Thursday, November 15, 10 p.m.
Holy Ghost Tent Revival @ Balliceaux - $5/21+
No it’s not an actual traveling circus coming to Lombardy Street, but it might as well be. Greensboro, North Carolina’s Holy Ghost Tent Revival brings their roots style rock and roll to Balliceaux tonight. This six piece band should be number one on your what-to-do-on-Thursday-night list. I absolutely love what I’ve heard so far.
Touring in support of their new LP, Sweat Like the Old Days, Holy Ghost Tent Revival is foot stompin’ good. Pour the damn bourbon, would you already? Balliceaux continues to give the Richmond music lovers the purity of significant music. This show is no exception. See you there.
Friday, November 16, 8 p.m.
A$AP Rocky, Danny Brown, Schoolboy Q, & A$AP Mob @ The National - $25 ADV - http://ticketmaster.com/venue/8996 / $28 DOOR /All Ages
Harlem’s A$AP Rocky is a young, yet visionary emcee that comes from a hip hop pedigree that can only be described as the best. First of all, A$AP Rocky’s real name is Rakim Mayers. He was named after the rapper Rakim of Eric B and Rakim. How cool is that? A$AP Rocky comes to a new game with an old school feel, as his voice derives from the great emcees of Mobb Deep, Wu Tang Clan, and Run DMC.
Touring in support of his debut album, LongLiveASAP, A$AP Rocky is a busy man of late. Endlessly touring, and cutting tracks in the studio when not on stage, this rapper is the next big thing in regard to real street hip hop. Is it ever a joy to hear that style of rap again. After watching a few A$AP Rocky videos, I feel he is in the same light as Joey BadA$$, and even Richmond’s Black Liquid or Nickelus F as far as regaining rap music and taking it back to the streets.
Sometime rap acts can’t carry their seminal style over to the stage and give their fans shit kicking good live performances. This is not true with A$AP Rocky. His endurance and emphasis on perfection without a doubt come out during his performances. This show is a possible sellout, but if you can get a ticket, I’d do so. This will be a glorious night of pure hip hop music.
Saturday, November, 17, 10 p.m.
Lightfields, Paul Ivey & the Rubes, Gilmore Guys @ The Nile– Free/21+
Unlike babies dancing with lampshades on their heads, this show will shine extra bright, as Lightfields announce their takeover of Richmond. Lightfields has a very unique take on the progressive psycho noise, but damn, it sure sounds good. They also could be described as the best dressed band in town, so watch out ladies.
Paul Ivey, never to be outdone, will be dropping his divine guitar playing with the Rubes. Ivey is sure to sing straight down your throat, like a fine whiskey distilled in some unsuspecting woods nearby. Rounding out this pop-up rock and roll event is the cherished abstract music of Gilmore Guys. Comedian David-Marie Garland fronts this twist-the-night-away act with his glowing vocals, as Mat Bell’s guitar is a stunner, and John Swart’s bass is a fancy. As far as drums are concerned, well let’s just say a machine takes care of that.
Celebrate Gen. David David Petraeus’ shortcomings and parade on over to Laurel Street tonight for convivial valuable times.
Sunday, November 18, 10 p.m.
Big Eyes, Audacity, Fire Bison, Olde Shame @ Strange Matter– Price at door/18+
Seattle punk rock rabble rousers Big Eyes just might deliver the best spitfire-grill rock and roll you’ve endured in awhile. Off the local label Grave Mistake, Big Eyes can see for miles as there are no cataracts in this band. Led by front woman Kate Eldridge, along with Chris Costalupes and Dillan Lazzareschi, Big Eyes never disappoint. These guys will tear the roof off for sure, so let’s hope it isn’t going to rain tonight.
Audacity is on tour with Big Eyes, and this Fullerton, CA band is the perfect match, as they too will bring the heat and debauchery. This punk quartet is full of exuberance, alternating manic episodes, and freakishly abnormally euphoric sounds. I’d check these clowns out if I was you.
Richmond bands Fire Bison, with their cut-your-throat straight ahead rock; and Olde Shame, bringing the absolute bizarre-bizarre tunes, open this booty.
Big Eyes and Audacity will also be playing an in-store earlier this same day at Steady Sounds (322 W. Broad) at 4pm.
Monday, November 19, 6 p.m.
Turnover, Major League, Maker, Boxer @ Strange Matter– $8/All Ages.
Delicious pop-punk powers into Strange Matter this lovely Monday afternoon. Release the stress of a Monday at work, and take in a show with a bunch of bouncing young lads.
Turnover is from right here in Virginia, Major League comes to us from Jersey, Maker is from Massachusetts, and last but not least, locals Boxer round out the bill. This afternoon is sure to be a balloon ride full of helium. Come one, come all, as this glorious early evening possess the only Virginia tour date for this inspirational fondue of pop rocks.
Tuesday, November 20, 9 p.m.
Low on Sanity, ChaCha & the Monsters, Little Black Rain Clouds @ Strange Matter - $7/18+
Out from the depths of Shockoe Bottom comes a real wing-dinger of a band. The Industrial metal band everyone in Richmond is talking about, Low on Sanity, will usurp the Strange Matter stage--or floor for that matter--tonight. It will also be a given that everyone in attendance will have their black attire drenched with dance-sweat. This is the first time Low on Sanity has played Strange Matter, and I’m telling you right now, it won’t be the last. This band, sometimes a duo, sometimes a trio, is (for now) an unknown force that will keep everyone in attendance banging each other’s skulls.
Staunton, Virginia’s ChaCha & the Monsters will open with their spooky rock. And, let me just say this: it’s nice to have Staunton represented up in this piece tonight. Also opening will be a Richmond band I’m certainly curious to witness for the first time, Little Black Rain Clouds. LBRC are said to be fiendish when it comes to high energy industrial/electro rock. I can’t wait. This night will be the ultimate dark sanctuary.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)