Avers have just arrived on the scene in the last week or so, but they're making a big splash in the local area if the gossip I'm hearing is any indication. Their calling card thus far has been that this is The Head And The Heart drummer Tyler Williams's other band, but considering that the band also includes James Mason and James-Lloyd Hodges of Mason Brothers, as well as Alexandra Spalding and Adrian Olsen of Hypercolor, Avers has a lineup that Richmonders should recognize as being loaded with talent.
Rather than continue with the folk-pop sound that their previous bands have made their names with, though, the members of Avers have made a definite turn towards the psychedelic with the first song they've released. "White Horses" mixes acoustic strumming with reverbed-out distortion and a monolithic groove to arrive somewhere between dream and drone. Aspects of Spiritualized, Tame Impala, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre all mingle together over the course of four and a half minutes that sound significantly longer, especially at the song's spaciest moments (of which there are a few). Open your third eye and let the music carry you away below.
Avers will be playing a few gigs once the new year rolls around, and though they're being less than completely loyal to RVA by playing their first show ever at New York's Mercury Lounge on Thursday, January 2, they'll be back in town later that week for their hometown premiere at Hardywood Brewery on Monday, January 6. They've also got a show planned for Saturday, February 1 at Strange Matter. We don't know details about any of these shows yet, but they're a couple of months away, so it's understandable. For now, just rock out to "White Horses" and keep an eye on Avers'facebook and twitter pages for more info.