FEATURE SHOW
Sunday, May 5, 10 p.m.
Ulan Bator, Caves Caverns, R-Complex, projections by Lord Candy Dish @ Strange Matter - $7/18+
Featuring members of the band Faust, the French band Ulan Bator are a journey into the third consciousness. This harsh heavy industrial rock band is one not to be missed. The rave reviews on Ulan Bator are no joke--there’s plenty of positive feedback on these Frenchmen. Chalk this evening up as another Sunday night miracle at Strange Matter.
Some of the highest praise on Ulan Bator comes from their producer, multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira of the band Swans, so you know it will be a musical oblivion to devour. For you krautrock fanatics, there are some similarities between Can, Faust and Ulan Bator, as you can expect.
Richmond nomads of endless psych/surf rock, Caves Caverns, and the experimental noise of R- Complex lend opening support for a night that is sure to be discussed years down the road.
Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m.
Vinyl Conflict presents Gasmask Terror, Youth Avoiders (pictured above), Disparage, Unsacred @ Strange Matter– Price at door/All Ages
As I’ve always said, there is nothing better than an early evening bombardment of punk rock music. This is the kind of punk that will cause trouble and even step into the hardcore by busting through the door. Leave it to that oasis of nightmarish bliss in Oregon Hill, Vinyl Conflict, to supply us with pure boot stomping on ya’ face. I’m excited writing about this Wednesday evening treasure for all the kids. The kids need this evening. It’s time to get the angst out--not the Led, but the angst out. Hell, I’m right there with you, fellas. It doesn’t matter where you come from on this planet, punk is everywhere. Gasmask Terror and Youth Avoiders are the epitome of DIY crust punk out of Paris, while Disparage and Unsacred are Richmond’s equivalent, with an extra dis-core assault thrown in. I just realized--here are two more bands from France invading Richmond this week. Merci.
Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m.
Young Widows, Snack Truck, Sea Of Storms, Dumb Waiter (record release) @ Gallery 5 - $10/All Ages
Louisville’s Young Widows are back in Richmond, and they just might be the best indie rock band you've never heard of. Well, change that, and come to this marvel of music at Gallery 5 tonight. Jackson Ward is the home for music--come and experience why. From progressive to indie to dark rock, it will all be represented by Young Widows tonight and their Richmond counterparts. Snack Truck may be confusing the hell out of us of late with their new name, or perhaps not going with a new name, direction. Anyhow, these maestros still rock with a force congruent to that of a hurricane. Some of the best musicians in Richmond are members of the artist formerly known as Snack Truck, so do support.
Sea of Storms is a fistful of rock charge. Of course they are; Sea of Storms features some ex-Mouthbreather dudes that know how to singe your hair. Take another beer, this band soars. Dumb Waiter and their math rock also lend local support, and they are celebrating their new record release. Featuring current and former members of Street Pizza and Guise, these guys are turning heads – literally.
Friday, May 3, 7 p.m.
First Friday featuring Lobo Marino, Zac Hryciak & the Jungle Beat (pictured above), Mount Lion, Dr. Dukes @ Gallery 5– Free/All Ages
Since the month of May, thanks to the weather and the graduating spirit, is probably the best time to get funky with art during First Fridays, I feel this show could be a bounce of jubilance. The strongholds of folk rock with a bit of indie thrown in have joined forces to be as hot inside Gallery 5 as the fire burners will be outside. Lobo Marino will have you at not only hello, but goodbye. This band will have many onlookers perusing through the old fire and police station with an undefinable zest. Zac Hryciak & the Jungle Beat continues this who’s who in Richmond’s stellar roots rock hullabaloo. Meanwhile, it’s all in the family with Mount Lion. The Frye siblings, and a spouse, turn their brand of folk music into a gold medal performance no man, woman, or child should miss.
Speaking of the fire performances outside Gallery 5 during First Fridays, those PLF cats that put that on and deal with all the permits and stuff need our help. The city of Richmond is in need of more money, so they can give raises to school board members who lie about having a doctorate. Where do they get this? Well they more than likely get it by raising fees on street closures/security and permits that allow for this kind of entertainment. Yes, when in doubt, fuck with the artists. Therefore, the PLF crew and those associated with the fire performers are taking a collection to raise enough funds to continue to do this kind of art--yes, it’s an art--at future First Fridays. So put some bread in their jar, would you? Thank you. [Learn more about the situation, and how you can help, here.]
Saturday, May 4, 10 p.m.
Hopscotch presents White Laces, Whatever Brains, Invisible Hand (photo by Rich Tarbell) @ Strange Matter– Price at door/18+
The Hopscotch Festival is branching out for some preliminary shows before the big overrated festival in that overrated city we know as Raleigh. Once Jimmy Valvano left the planet, so did Raleigh, in my opinion. However, look what’s at Strange Matter tonight! Holy John Tyler! One of the best bands in Richmond over the past couple of years, White Laces, headlines this extravaganza with their exquisite dream pop that pals up with psych and indie rock. These guys are getting lots of consistently positive national press of late, and I feel they're prime to be the next big breakthrough from our city bisected by a river. If you haven’t seen White Laces yet, you are lost.
Raleigh’s own Whatever Brains are a tantalizing indie band that is getting high marks and definitely deserve your ears. Charlottesville’s Invisible Hand, with all their power psych pop, open this big time three-bands-at-your-gut type of show. Hopefully I can join y’all at this fabulous show.
Side note: White Laces also perform the next night (Sunday 10 p.m.) at the wonderfully intimate Ipanema. To miss this show would be like asking for suicide.
Monday, May 6, 8 p.m.
Dash Dip Rock, The Vacant Stairs @ The Camel - $8/18+
New Orleans’ Dash Rip Rock is Southern roots rock that comes out of a fireball of a trio. Since 1984 this band, which spans the musical wires of cow-punk to alt-rock, has been leaving audiences in a drenched sweat. Never disappointing, Dash Rip Rock plays hard and fast. If a band’s name ever described the fury a band put out during a live performance, it has to be Dash Rip Rock.
This is the kind of show where it's irrelevant that it's on Monday night. You have to be at the Camel tonight. The three gentleman from Dash Rip Rock will make the rest of your week go by smoother than jam, yet have your ears ringing like a James River raft ride. Dash Rip Rock is considered by many in the know to be the best pure rock and roll band from the south. Dash Rip Rock guitarist Bill Davis is the guitarist every guitarist wants to emulate. See why here tonight.
Opening will be Richmond’s Vacant Stairs. The Vacant Stairs are a wonderful roots like garage band that is a force unto themselves. A lot of folks are talking about this trio of fury. In the vein of the Replacements, the Vacant Stairs will without a doubt get the rock & roll party started. You’ll be out of breath for sure, and then you’ll be like “there’s more?” Yes, it will be that kind of night. Swing your ass down to 1621 W. Broad, won’t you? I know I am.
Tuesday, May 7, 7:30 p.m.
Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group @ Carpenter Theatre / Center Stage - $40-$6/All Ages
Lyle Lovett is back in town, and as always, he’ll put on a show to remember. This time around at the beautiful Carpenter Center, Lovett will encompass your ears with his acoustic band. Pure vocals on top of the best instrumentation you’ll ever hear this side of Texas. Lovett has thirteen albums to date, and don’t be surprised if he performs a cut off each one. This acoustic tour has been a rebirth of sorts for Lovett, as he is garnering some of the best reviews he’s ever received, from this tour. The best part about Lovett is that you can’t pigeon hole what his style is. He is everything between real country music to Americana to even rock & roll. Yes, he’s more country than any of the other genres, but Lovett is a true American legend making his own style the style of pure talent spreading music that matters. Lyle Lovett, who has been doing it for 33 years, is a concert that leaves you astonished and more than satisfied.
By John Lewis Morgan (onewayrichmond.com)