We've sprung forward yet again, and now it's still dark when some of us get up for work. But this sacrifice we make for longer porch days is worth it. How many times do you see and hear people playing music on their porches? Sometimes it can be annoying, sure (especially if it's bad), but it's just really cool that a rejuvenation in season also brings hints of inspiration. And if you can't handle another listen to that one Ben Harper song, you can always play your music louder. Here's what's new this month:
Let's get gross for a second. Trance da Chancellor made our Best LPs of 2012, and he recently released "Blue Waffle," a laid-back head nodder that chills and kills. The "blue waffle" hoax began maybe in 2010, and it was supposedly a term for infected lady parts (prompted by a very-vivid, perhaps Photoshopped, photograph). This track actually starts out talking about weed and resin (which we're not going to speculate whether it's a metaphor). The song also features PJ Murda.
photo by Michelle Chatham
Cavum is a dark folk trio releasing an album on Rorschach Records in Fall 2013. The band released three teaser tracks which, hopefully, will suffice until the full album emerges. Led by Jackson Meyer (who actually plays most of the instruments), Cavum is a doped-up, hazy listen. Try "Hazeltown," which even refers to the sound in its name. Azure Davis provides contrasting vocals while TJ Krivanec plays violin on two tracks. You can't beat the feeling of going to a band's site and seeing your words grace their bios. Thanks, guys!
Next we take a look at Trouvére's new album, officially out Saturday, March 16th (with a show 3/16 @ Gallery 5 with Dave Watkins and Mount Lion. $6, Presented by Church Hill Records. The alt-country five-piece is led by Luke Saunders, and his songs include folk and soul elements. Check out "Ghosts," which has patriotic as well as Celtic tendencies. The cover art is one for the walls.
DJ Harrison aka Devonne Harris has a new album, Monotones, coming out in April, and he just released the tracks that didn't make the cut as The Jellowstone House's Finest. The low-end gets its chance to stretch out, and the loops are pretty nod-worthy. We already gushed over his recent project Butcher Brown, a slice of Meters-par funk goodness. It looks like these tracks were recorded straight to tape so it has that 70s era finish. The loops and beats bring the sound to 2013.
Screamo five-piece Swan of Tuonela recently released a five song self-titled demo. The band features members from Caust, Kilgore Trout, Halcyon, and Dial Up. If you're not a huge screamo fan you should give this band a chance, because they make "dreamy screamo" aka not all noise all the time. Check them out tonight (3/12) @ a house show with Blood Red and Hawk.
Ki Oni makes beats from another world. The project of VCU alum Chuck Soo-Hoo, Ki Oni combines chillwave, world music, video game effects, samples and more. In January, Ki Oni performed on the PS13 Collective and Subterranea Collective showcase at Gallery 5. Here is "Tiny Elephants":
By Sarah Moore Lindsey (soundsofrva.org)