BEFORE THE MACHINE PICKS UP STEAM.

By Crystal Snyder

Far down West Broad Street 11:00pm is oddly quiet for a Friday night in Richmond, cars come and go, few people walk the street, but in their hurried rush to get to various clubs and bars they miss my destination, a small pool hall called The Triple.

Upon approaching this unlikely venue, I see several familiar faces, one in particular of the man who had me coming out here in the first place, Seth Nicholls (also of Red Clay Village). Seth was excited, I could tell that from down the street, and his voice belied his cool demeanor as we talked before entering the club. He told me about the bands that were playing that night, and about his new band, the one I came to see, Before the Machine.

I quickly took stock of my surroundings as we entered the bar, blood red walls, a cool tile floor, billiards in the back, and the familiar smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke encompassed my senses, as the first bands music assaulted my ears. I looked for the familiar faces I had seen outside, the other members of Before the Machine, Johnny Throckmorton, Jeb Mease, Chris Ratterree and Mike Lester. Knowing the superb talent they showed in other bands, I felt that this new project had a lot to live up to, I knew then this was going to make for an interesting night.

As the second band took the floor, I talked to some of the other patrons of the bar, all of them excited to see Before the Machine. This was their second show, and as the second band’s set drew to a close, the tension grew thicker, almost suffocating as the guys picked up the instruments that had been so patiently waiting in the corner.

Sound check and tuning commenced as people rose from their various perches like bones rising from the dead, waiting to pass judgment. Then it happened, the first note, the first chord , and Throckmorton took the mic. With a quick shout out of “What’s up RICHMOND?!?!?” Before the Machine had arrived, and even in the Intro it was apparent they were at no less than 110%.

As they slipped into “Blissful“, “Mikie’s Song” and “Eye if the World“, the crowd reaction went from swaying bodies and nodding heads to a full on mosh pit. Mease’s drumming was right on, never once skipping a beat, the phenomenal guitar work of Ratterree and Lester surpassed my expectations, and Nicholls’s bass work rounded out the whole outstanding package.

They ended the night with “Silent Movie” and “The New Song”. Even as the clock approached 2:00am all five members never lost the breakout energy of the Intro. Before the Machine is a ton of talent a mile outside of the box and a live show should not be missed, find out where you can catch them next near you on their MySpace Page!


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Circles of Concrete: Prabir and the Substitutes!

Pop rock all around fun band Prabir and the Substitutes played nothing less than a kick ass show at Gallery 5 last night. They boys released their latest CD entitled Hello to a packed audience and turned their awesome-ness factor to 11. Not only did they play new songs from their new album as well as favorites from Five Little Pieces , they also played a few covers including "These Boots Were Made For Walking." To cap off the evening, the boys destroyed their instruments Clash-style during the finale.



Prabir and the Substitutes are on tour supporting Hello. If you get the chance to see them, do yourself a favor. Drop what you are doing and go.

To hear a clip of Who's Gonna love Ya from the album Hello, check out the link
Circles of Concrete: Prabir and the Substitutes!

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Morrissey and Mia Riddle

Christy Sheppard
Richmond.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Scene + Heard Concert Review: Morrissey at the National and Mia Riddle at Poe's

Sometimes you look forward to a show for a long time and you end up disappointed. Sometimes you hear a band's recorded music and are bummed when you hear them live. Sometimes, though, reality exceeds your expectations.

I saw two shows last week that were excellent. I see a lot of shows. Shows about which I don't usually care enough to write.

These two shows I didn't want to let fade from my ever-waning memory without putting down in writing for all of you (and all of the world!) to see. Hey, I'm a giver.

First, I caught Mia Riddle and Her Band as they stopped through Richmond via Poe's Pub on their way to Austin's SXSW, promoting their album, Tumble and Drag.

I arrived around 8:15 (because I thought the show as supposed to start at 8) and around 10 o'clock all preparation was complete and Mia's band was ready to go.

I'd been listening to their myspace playlist for a few days prior to the event because I never like going to show completely in the blind, and Mia's band is new to me. She sounded just as great in person as she did in recording. She was pop and she was rock, and she was a little country ... a delightful mixture.

Mia's voice continually reminded me of Jenny Lewis'; a comparison most would welcome. Although she did sound a little raspy and admitted she was battling a cold, it didn't distract from her performance and her voice was strong and pleasant.

I don't know if you've ever seen a show at Poe's but the "stage" is rather small. On several occasions I felt like the band really wanted to rock out but were hindered by the size of the stage. Despite the space limitations, they made the most of the night, and our attention spans.

Everyone but Dave Wyss (bass) had a mic; geez, he must really be a bad singer, huh? I kid.

The rest of the band consisted of Amy Merrill (keys, back-up vocals), Dan Barry (guitar, back-up vocals) and Jeff Neuberger (drums, back-up vocals). Mia stuck to singing and the guitar although she also plays the glockenspiel and keys.

Amy and Mia harmonized well and sounded sweet together. At the risk of sounding creepy, Amy had these super delicate fingers that looked as if they were sculpted just for the keys or for rescuing objects that have fallen into really tight spaces (or for stealing food from the vending machine). She had a funny smirk on her face that lasted most of the set. Apparently we were all having a great time.

As a testament to their songwriting skills, I recognized "Grandchildren", "City Song" and "Open Wide" right away and (happily) was even able to sing along.

In red flats that matched Amy's keyboard, Mia stomped and played her way though the set. I'm compelled to liken her to actor-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel; but Mia has a stonger voice and she's cuter, too. Sorry, I'm only into She & Him sans the "She &" part.

This was the first stop on their tour, so naturally they had a few blips here and there but they easily laughed them off. I've seen bands make a big deal out of mistakes and, frankly, peeps, most of us won't notice unless you don't call attention to your screw-ups.

I kept thinking to myself that this little performance deserved more of an audience and perhaps a larger venue. I won't complain, though, I'm glad they stopped by and I'm hoping they'll return. Maybe one day soon, they'll have ample opportunity to show off their talent to larger crowds.

Check out their video for "Open Wide" on YouTube.

The next night, myself and a few friends ventured our way out to the National to see the legendary Morrissey.

I've said this before, but I've never been a really big fan of his or of the Smiths, the band he used to front. This only means I had no idea what to expect and that I was blown away by what I saw and heard.

The guy is pushing 50 and he ran that stage like it was his, umm ... let's just say he showed everyone who was boss. Looking like a mixture between Dr. Troy McNamara (Nip/Tuck) and Robin Williams (in looks and in stage presence, respectively) he commanded the attention of every face in the crowd.

The stage was set up so the Moz had plenty of space to stalk around, whipping the mic cord to and fro. Picture a bullfighter with his cape ... with imaginary bulls coming at him from every direction.

I recognized more songs than I'd expected to, and when that insane riff from "How Soon Is Now?" started, nearly everyone in the sold out crowd of 1,500 took to their feet.

As big a ham as Morrissey was, his band wasn't leaving without making its presence felt. Drummer Matt Walker rocked an impressive set of drums that included an 18-wheeler-tire-sized bass and even a gong. Chris Bopst said recently, "The larger the drum set, the more likely the band is going blow." Sorry, Chris, but in at least this instance, that argument fails. (read the article here)

Moz sang the line 'But then you open your eyes and you see someone that you physically despise' from "Let Me Kiss You" at the precise moment he decided to remove shirt number two of three for the evening (if the timing was unintentional I'll eat my chucks). He'd already briefly left the stage long enough to change from a blue and white checkered print into the black dress shirt he was currently removing.

When he took off said black dress shirt, it was just too much for one excited fan to handle. This super-fan squeezed his way through a team of scowling security guards and chased Morrissey off-stage, dragging annoyed staff-members along with him. In line with the theme of the night (Morrissey is touring in support of his latest album, Years of Refusal), this eager-beaver wasn't giving up without a fight.

An unphased Morrissey reappeared in less than 5; donning another button-down ... this one pink.

Everything about the show was huge: the sound, the production, the enthusiasm, the egos.

All week I'd been a little skeptical as to whether he'd even show up (many shows had been cancelled prior to this one). Luckily he didn't let us down. Maybe he showed because it was Friday the 13th, maybe not. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I was there.

Morrissey on myspace | Mia Riddle on myspace


NOTE: Christy Sheppard is an established writer with publications like Richmond.com and was kind enough to share this article with us. We look forward to many more of Christy Sheppards writing contributions. Keep watching.

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GORGEOUS & UNKNOWN HINSON

GORGEOUS & UNKNOWN HINSON @ CANAL CLUB


It had been many years since I had been to the Canal Club and I decided to attend a show I wasn’t familiar with but I thought the subject matter would be interesting to review. At the time the only act I knew was performing that night was Unknown Hinson. I had never had the pleasure of attending any of Mr. Hinson’s shows, but many of my friends never miss him when he is in town so I decided to find out what all the fuss was about. Much to my surprise, when I walked in the door I heard familiar music and saw familiar faces on the stage during sound check. “Unknown” to me, my friends Gorgeous were opening for Unknown Hinson and suddenly the overpriced $16.50 tickets weren’t so offensive.

Gorgeous, former members of Chrome Daddy Disco, has always been in my opinion the best rockabilly/psychobilly band in Richmond, or anywhere for that matter. I have been going to their shows for well over ten years and still can’t sit still when I hear them play. Sean McClain is in my opinion the best front man on a stage. If you are looking for entertainment, look no further. Sean delivers his cocky one liners and rants along with the most passionate covers, “King Creole”, “Muleskinner Blues”, and the best of the best, “Viva Las Vegas”, plus original songs like “Bloody Valentine”, that cannot be duplicated. Many bands have tried but failed. This band is the real deal down to Jim’s pink paisley James Burton style guitar, to the solid bass and drums that pull everything together and creates the “Sonic Sound” that is the infectious Gorgeous groove. Gorgeous doesn’t play out very often, so seeing them was a real treat and I’m always looking forward to their next show. Thanks guys for giving Elvistra another chance to shake, rattle and roll!




Band Members for Gorgeous:
Sean McClain: vocals, ranting

Jim Wark: Guitar

Greg Wetherford: Drums

Kyle Christian: Bass


The main act, Unknown Hinson, the King of the Country Western Troubadours from Charlotte, NC was not the honky tonk guitar picker I assumed he was. His music is described as country/western/metal/psychobilly/cow punk. What I heard was a very talented blues oriented guitar player with quirky original songs like “Lingerie”, BarbieQ”, and “Alkyhol Withdrawl” which gives him his unique persona, and incredible covers by Hendrix and even Alice Cooper., which won me over immediately.

Unknown Hinson is not just a weird guy with a scary face, although I still can’t figure out how none of his makeup melted during the show. The man barely broke a sweat, very cool indeed. The crowd loved him and it was clear Unknown Hinson has a strong fan base in Richmond, and now I understand why. After the show Mr. Hinson greeted his fans, signed autographs and took pictures with them. He clearly appreciates his followers and treats them well.

In conclusion, the night was filled with the “Unknown”, but it was a top notch show that should’ve had a much bigger crowd to bear witness.





Be sure to check out Unknown Hinson’s CD “Target Practice”
Band website: Unknown Hinson

Band Members for Unknown Hinson:
Unknown Hinson: vocals, guitar

Roger “Tiny” Kohrs: Bass

Frank “The Tank” Sorrell: Percussion




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GET LOST WITH AMERICANA

THE LOST SOULS & THE MUCKRAKES @ THE TRIPLE 1/30/09

Submitted by Cindy Johnson

I decided to change my pace a little and commit to an evening of a wildly growing brand of music called “Americana”. It’s a little folk, a little country with some bluegrass mixed in for flavor. I keep hearing this type of sound called “roots” music, but to me, it’s all relative to keeping it real. No gimmicks, no weird outfits, just good music from yesterday and today. That set the pace throughout the evening with two very talented and spirited bands – one a duo, the other a small army.

Gray Gurkin and the Lost Souls started off the evening. They were missing one Lost Soul reducing them to a duo with their drummer, Chip Farnsworth, and singer, guitarist, Gray Gurkin, who has carved out quite a name for himself as a solo artist, but he obviously thrives with his band, no matter how small.

The Lost Souls are very professional and know how to put on a show. Gray Gurkin interacts with the audience and makes them feel appreciated. The originals songs are both upbeat and spirited, even the sad ones. Gray Gurkin has a powerful voice and he’s not afraid to use it, coupled with that Dwight Yokam bounce when he plays, and you have a great front man and a wonderful sounding band. All the members of The Lost Souls are from Virginia and have played with many other successful bands through the years and it shows. The bands original songs include “Matchbox”, “Wildflower”, and “Sunday Morning”.

Band Members:
Gray Gurkin: Lead vocals, guitar
Chip Farnsworth: Drums
Turtle: Bass and backing vocals

Website: The Lost Souls and Gray Gurkin


The Muckrakes took the stage by storm a while later and I could barely believe the head count on that stage. The band has 7 current members who all play a variety of different instruments, including my personal favorite, the lap steel guitar and rub board. It gave the band personality to play such vibrant instruments and the combination of harmonies and blend of music swept you away to another time when things were simple. I think this type of music is really needed right now to get our priorities back in line and see the simple beauty in things. That’s what this music gives you, simple beauty, and I was definitely in need of some.

The Muckrakes formed in October of 2008 in Newport News, VA after some lineup changes have their current band. Their songs include “Young and Crazy”, “What Does She Have to Say” and “Until They’re Gone”.


Band Members:
Melissa Troutman: vocals
Matt Minguez – violin
Jon Owings – vocals, mandolin, banjo
Dave Jackson – drums
Cory Nealon – Lap steel guitar, dobro guitar
Spider Turner – guitar
Billy Englan - bass

Website: The Muckrakes

The Muckrakes Pics





The Lost Souls Pics





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WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!

CASHMERE JUNGLE LORDS @ 3RD WAVE PLAY THE TRIPLE, 1/23/09
Submitted by Cindy Johnson

The show last Saturday was a reunion of sorts for the older, or as I like to call us, “seasoned” crowd of local RVA. Everyone seemed to know someone in one of the bands playing that night because we’ve all been around long enough to know everybody and their friends.

Local band 3rd Wave started the evening off with two sets of hypnotic instrumentals that I normally tune out. Music just isn’t the same without lyrics. But this band made me stop and pay attention immediately because they were playing some of my favorite songs without lyrics and I was so impressed I forgot my judgmental ways and swayed to the music as if no different. I also don’t flock to hear surf music, but I’m beginning to wonder what “surf” is really all about.

I’ve never known an instrumental surf band to play “Walk the Line”, “Whiter Shade of Pale”, or the sexiest version of “Rumble” I’ve ever heard. Then again, I usually am not there to witness, so I have to say if this is what surf music is, I have been converted.

3rd Wave Band Members: Casey Cash – guitar
John Haynor – guitar
Joe Mitchell – bass
Bob Walden - drums

Band website: 3rd Wave


The Cashmere Jungle Lords played the second half of the evening and it had been many years for this “seasoned” Richmonder since she had seen CJL, but I won’t wait as long next time.

The Cashmere Jungle Lords are a well know band in Richmond. They have paid their dues, spent a lot of time playing musical chairs with their band members, but they always seem to come back bigger and better than ever. The band originated over 21 years ago migrating to Oregon Hill to create their unique sound. Of all the bands CJL played with over the years, I have to say opening for The Who in 1998 must have been at the top of their list.

The band describes their sound as “Southern Fried Salsa Surfabilly”. Okay. I’ll accept that. Singer Dominic Carpin is also described as the inventor of “amp surfing”. That’s where you lost me, but all I know is the music is a little rock, a little rockabilly, a little surf, and a whole lotta fun. Did I mention they write their own material and if you knew the guys involved, that makes for some interesting songs. Seeing both of these bands among old and new friends made for another wonderful event at the Triple.
Keep it up Danny and Tiffany, you are making some special memories!

Cashmere Jungle Lord Band Members: Dominic Carpin – guitar & vocals
John Dacey – bass, acoustic guitar & vocals
Todd Woodson – drums
John Moore – percussion

Band Website: Cashmere Jungle Lords







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ELVIS’ BIRTHDAY BASH @ THE PLAZA BOWL FEATURING WRENN MANGUM AND HAMBURGER JAMES

JANUARY 9, 2009

Elvis Presley would’ve turned 74 on January 8, 2009, so to celebrate, my friends Wrenn Mangum and Hamburger James paid tribute the best way they knew how. By performing a live show at the ever trendy Plaza “Duckpin” Bowl and the result was heartwarming and rockin’!

Wrenn Mangum is known for his love of the King and his massive collection of Elvis songs which he performs solo to perfection. Wrenn doesn’t have to look like Elvis, or even sound exactly like Elvis, because his spiritual connection to Elvis is so strong that you FEEL Elvis and that is the highest compliment I know to give any performer that dares to mess with the King. I was raised on Elvis and saw him live when I was a kid at the Richmond Coliseum in 1974 & 1976 and I know how it feels to feel Elvis, and when Wrenn is performing, Elvis is in the room and he is smiling. Wrenn is the real deal and if you love Elvis or any 50’s music, you should see Wrenn perform at any cost (which is usually a few bucks if anything), because he will haunt you and you will become addicted to the lovely ghosts that surround him when he performs.

Hamburger James’ band members span from here in Richmond all the way to Northern Virginia. I think I saw the first show they did in Richmond and they have come a very long way from playing Rocks in the freezing cold patio bar and very few people brave enough to handle the cold and uncomfortable set up. But I was there and I said to myself, this band gets it. They know what it means to be true rockabilly. They know it takes more than an upright bass to sound rockabilly. You need heart and you have to eat, sleep and drink the music and Hamburger James fulfills all my rockabilly dreams. Their original material is funny, sweet and well written. The ballad “Are You The One” is very tender and intense, and on the other end you have “Rumble Tonight” and “The Ballad Of Hamburger James”, which is funny and clever.

A permanent member of the Hamburger James show now includes Jennifer Vaughan who pays tribute to the late great Janis Martin, who the band was fortunate enough to perform with on her last trip to Richmond before her untimely death. I’m hoping Jen will become a bigger part of the shows and sing more. She and husband vocalist Andy are quite a pair together, quite reminiscent of June and Johnny.

Hamburger James is: Andy Vaughan – lead vocal, rhythm guitar
Jennifer Vaughan – vocals
Bill Pettus – drums
Slawdaddy – electric guitar
Will Armstrong – “Dog House” bass

You can look for Hamburger James’ newest CD, “Last Plane to Memphis” on their website: hamburgerjames
Wrenn’s CD is available on his website: wrennmangum

Writen by Cindy Johnson aka Elvistra
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THE ARKHAMS @ THE TRIPLE

THE ARKHAMS @ THE TRIPLE, DEC. 5, 2008
SUBMITTED BY ELVISTRA


The Arkhams played the Triple Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. They were a visiting band from NYC. I already had plans to see another show that night but changed my mind after my trusted friend at Community Chest Booking sent me the bands link to check them out knowing I would be instantly attracted to the fact that they were rockabilly with a twist. By now you all know I am a sucker for an upright bass, so on to the Triple I went and had a salty shakin’ time!

The official Arkhams Bio states that the three piece band is from Queens, New York, and has been quoted as favoring music ending in “-abilly”. They are not your typical rockabilly band. They have a unique sound and are clever enough to play covers that I have never heard of, thinking they were also original material, which makes them extremely talented and versatile for their young years.

Even the bands name is not what you think, unless you read H.P. Lovecraft or Batman comic books. The band formed in 2006 as a side project. They have played with The Meteors (nice belt, Sean), The Koffin Kats, the Chop Tops, Al & the Black Cats & Sasquatch & the Sick-A-Billys. The Arkhams are a relatively new band, but not new to the music scene. Also worth noting is bass player, Matt the Knife, was the winner of the 2007 Heavy Rebel Weekender Upright Bass Slapdown.
And trust me kiddies, he is one speedy string slapper. Like I said, I’m a sucker for an upright bass.

Their full length CD “The Road to Arkham” is now available. Go to www.myspace.com/thearkhams to purchase the CD as well as cool merchandise such as purple bottle opener keychains and green compact mirrors.

Their songs include, “Road to Arkham”, “3 Months, 2 Weeks and @ Days”, “Next Time You See Me”, “She’s Got the Power”, “Hell’s Where All the Good Records Are”, “Revenge”, and “Sally Jones”. The vocals are traded and combined so you never know who you will be hearing on each song, which is a compliment to the band that they can all play and sing at the same time-LOL.
That being said, I had a blast discovering new talent at the Triple, and although visiting RVA, I think I convinced the band to visit us again soon. Very Kool Kitty Kats!

Band Members:

Bobcat – guitar, vocals

Matt the Knife – upright bass, vocals

Seanzi Dirtbag – drums, vocals





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DALE WATSON & THE LONE STAR BAND

DALE WATSON & THE LONE STAR BAND @ SHENANIGANS, OCT. 13, 2008

Submitted by Elvistra


Dale Watson is one of country music’s true remaining outlaws. His name is usually included in the company of the other outlaws, Merle, Johnny, Lefty, Willie, etc. Dale Watson flies just under the radar and his fans wouldn’t have it any other way. He doesn’t gauge his career by the country music industry’s standards. He plays by his own rules and follows his own path to a sound he has termed “Ameripolitan”. Dale defines this as original music with prominent roots influence, and he has been told “he plays country like country was when country was country. If you can follow that, you know what a huge compliment it is to be told you sing country the way it was meant to be sung, with heart and muddied philosophies and sadness like the way country music sounded when I was a kid.

As most people in Richmond last weekend, I went to the Folk Festival. I went to the Saturday performance of Dale Watson with my elbows on the stage, dead center, best seat in the house, and enjoyed about a 45 minute set of mostly newer songs. Dale played 2 shows that Saturday and another on Sunday.

As great as the folk festival show was, it was the Monday show at my neighborhood hangout, Shenanigans that I was really looking forward to. It’s Dale’s home away from home when he’s in Virginia. I knew before I walked in the door and paid the $15 cover that it would be the best show of the weekend and worth every penny. Considering how much the bands that play the National and Toads charge for their shows, the show Monday night was worth more than the price of admission.

Dale feels so at home at Shenanigans he treats everyone as either a new or old friend and will cater to you every whim, whether its pictures, autographs, shots of tequila, more shots of tequila, actually about a shot per every third or fourth song is how many I determined his “friends” brought to the stage before the first break. Dale’s fans are devoted to him, men and women alike, the gender status is split pretty much down the middle. The band played 2 sets, and with the rounds of drinks coming at such a fast pace, by the second set, things usually get interesting at a Dale Watson show, and this show did not disappoint.

The material covered was varied. Older favorites such as “Don’t Rock No Cradle”, “Exit 109”, and my personal favorite “Country My Ass” along with his special cover of my favorite artist Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas”. The latest material covered was from “From the Cradle to the Grave” which included “Justice for All”, It’s Not Over Now” and a very interesting version of the Wizard of Oz.

After meeting Mr. Watson for the second time now, I am even more convinced that this band is one of the most loved and yet undervalued group of musicians making that great music we call country.


Band Memebers: Dale Watson - Lead vocals, guitar

Don Pawlak – Pedal steel guitar

Don Raby – 5 string fiddle

David Bowen – Drums


Band website: http://www.dalewatson.com





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TOMMY 2 FINGERS and More @ THE TRIPLE

TOMMY 2 FINGERS & THE WHY NOTS, OCTANE SAINTS, AND THE RATS

@ THE TRIPLE, SAT. 9/27/08

The triple is getting quite a reputation thanks to the dynamic duo Tiffany Cale and Danny Ingram, who together make up Community Chest Booking, and are responsible for all the excitement at the Triple lately located at 3306 West Broad Street .

The Triple is quickly becoming THE place to be to see great shows and the location is convenient to most areas. And then there are the billiards, to which the neon sign outside boasts. A billiards room was the original theme of the Triple, but now you get two for the price of one. It’s a cool place with cool people taking care of you.

This Saturday night was no exception. The place was packed by the time I got there around 9:30, which told me that this was going to be a good night. Three bands performed, Tommy 2 Fingers and the Why Nots, Octane Saints, and The Rats. These bands consisted of some of the most respected musicians Richmond has to offer, and some of them I had crushes on when they were just little pups starting out back in “the day”. Okay, so I still have crushes on them, but I enjoyed my little nostalgic moment and got back to business.

The opening band was TOMMY 2 FINGERS AND THE WHY NOTS. Formed from various local bands such as Lilly Liver, Blind Brain, Sugar Creek and Uphill Down, this trio uses their punk roots together with cheeky lyrics to express their quoted “I don’t give a ….. attitude” of the genre. With songs like “All my Friends Are Dead”, “Great Personality”, “Kelly Went Gay”, and “Lapdance In Paradise”, you can conclude these guys don’t take themselves too seriously, and that’s pretty refreshing in this all consuming rock star world.

The band has written and recorded an album and is working on the second release.

You can visit Tommy 2 Fingers website at: www.tommy2fingers.com

Band Members: Joey Lasagna -guitar, vocals

Johnny Bactine – bass & background vocals

Danny Crucial – drums @ background vocals



The second band up was the OCTANE SAINTS. For me personally, the Octane Saints experience was like going back to the days when guys really enjoyed playing music together and it was always reflected in the music. This set was a joy from beginning to end. The band formed in 2001 collecting a fan base ranging from rock purists, punks, rockabilly and more. They have become regulars at various rock and roll festivals such as The Heavy Rebel Weekender and Elvisfest.

The songs from the band are no frills and catchy with titles such as “Grind”, “Daddy’s Trash”, “Tear the Meat off the Bone”, “Jailbait”, “Kitty”, “Hell Yeah”, and “Drinkin” which was a special favorite. It was a set I didn’t want to end, but I got some good butt shakin’ in for exercise.

Band Members: Jay Thurman – guitar, vocals

Rock Koplin – guitar, vocals

Tom Strel – bass

Scott Schuppert – drums

Band website: www.octanesaints.com, or www.myspace.com/octanesaints



The headlining band was THE RATS, who is mostly based in Norfolk , VA. One of my old crushes was on guitar player Dan-O, previously of Mudd Helmet, Rocket 69 and Adam West. It was kinda weird seeing how older and mature he is now. Okay, we’re old, but, damn these guys can still play.

Thanks to Jeff, the bass player, I got a brief history of The Rats. Apparently, the guitar player Eric got together with bass player Jeff and started a Ramones tribute band. It didn’t take long for them to want more and they started writing their own songs and became The Rats. They played Baltimore , D.C. , Richmond , the Outer Banks, and after a string of lead guitarists and drummers including Joey and Shon of Reverend D-Ray and the Shockers, their current drummer, Matt came along. They were led to Dan-O’s recording studio and they spent three days recording there first album, “Rats Ass”. Eventually their lead guitarist had to leave the band and Dan-O played guitar on several of the tracks they recorded for the album. Dan-O expressed an interest in joining the band and the rest is The Rats history.

The punk influences on their songs, such as “Norfolk city Rockers”, “Sellin Honey”, “Rats Ass”, Rock & Roll You Over”, “Cathcin’ Flies”, and “Sick of Being your Dog” (my personal favorite), is so strong there was actually moshing to be had in front of the stage. Yes, beer was spilled, people fell down, equipment was compromised, and the vibe was pure electricity. You couldn’t ask for anything more.

Band members: Eric – guitar, vocals

Dan-O – guitar

Jeff – bass

Matt – drums

Band website: www.snakeoilrecordings.com, www.myspace.com/thenorfolkrats


To wrap up I will just say I had a great time seeing old friends and listening to kick ass music and hope these bands continue to play and flourish, because they deserve it. Nuff said. Elvistra signing out.



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BLACK CASH AT THE TOBACCO COMPANY

BLACK CASH AT THE TOBACCO COMPANY, SAT. SEPT. 20, 2008



Black Cash will say they are a Johnny Cash tribute band. But that is only partially true. The band does much more than throw out familiar Johnny Cash cover songs.
Black Cash carefully chooses songs that entertain, make you want to dance and holler, and also appreciate the more emotional ballads of Johnny Cash that represents the real heart of the man.

Johnny Cash himself spent the latter years of his career covering some very clever songs such as “Rusty Cage” by Soundgarden, “Rowboat” by Tom Petty, and the most popular release before his death, “Hurt”, by Nine Inch Nails. The other half of the songs covered range from both Hank Williams Jr. and Sr., Steve Earle, and alternative group Ween.

So, just as Johnny paid tribute to those he admired, Black Cash pays tribute to the Man in Black with both talent and taste, and there is no question that J.C. would be very touched by the love and dedication that goes into Black Cash and their fans.

As for playing The Tobacco Company, not much has changed in the two years they have been performing weekends there. The crowd ranges from young clubbers and yuppies to older “shockoe slippers” to the people there by accident that stay because they remember when they used to play their Johnny Cash songs on vinyl albums. It makes for an interesting crowd every time and they all have one thing in common, love for country music the way is used to be, proud with no apologies. Thanks Black Cash for keeping the “Family Tradition”.

Black Cash Band:

Matte Black: vocals
Jimbo Black: Lead guitar (electric)
Nathaniel Black: Lead and rhythm guitar (electric)
Damienne Black: Rhythm guitar (acoustic and electric)
Nickodeemus black: Drums, percussion
Jeramiah Black: Bass guitar

Band website: Black Hash Band












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JOE BUCK YOURSELF

JOE BUCK YOURSELF @ THE TRIPLE, SUN. SEPT. 21, 2008


To some, he’s Hank III’s jumpsuit wearing scary looking upright bass player, to others, he’s just plain scary, but to his fans, he is Joe Buck Yourself, Mutherf@#$er!
Mr. Buck was a one man band Sunday night at the Triple. No Hank III, no upright bass, no huge arena, just one man, one guitar and good ol’ spit, grit and down home hillbilly hellraisin’.

Before the first song was even played, Joe Bucks crowd of disciples were commanded to move up to him as close as possible to feel every ounce of energy and get lost in his evil stare while he took you on his journey of heaven and hell, angels and demons, love, hate, and rage.

Joe Buck songs are not for the meek or timid. His driving rhythms and lyrics are just as intense and disturbing as his persona. The songs performed for hungry crowd included “Hillbilly Pride”, “The Devil is on His Way”, “Planet Seeth”, “Bitter is the Day”, “Music City’s Dead”, and “Are you my Enemy”, which closed out the show and as Joe Buck Yourself stood up and thanked everyone for coming to the show and being such a good crowd, I saw the other side of Joe Buck. He was polite, and downright endearing.

The other exciting element of the show was that the entire set was video taped for Joe Bucks website and to be put on Utube. I took my own video of the last song from my camera and am proud to say it is kicks ass. The crowd participation will be one for the history books.

His fans are the real deal. Joe Buck is an outlaw, and I’m a sucker for an outlaw. It was my first show of Joe Buck’s, but it won’t be my last. After the show we were outside the club helping to load out and a fan asked Joe Buck to play a song on his banjo. Instead of blowing the guy off and getting into his huge RV and getting on the road, we all got to share a special performance of Joe Buck sitting on the curb in the alley behind the club playing banjo to please one fan. To this southern girl, That’s Hillbilly Pride!








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BLACK ROSE WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRITTANY O’NEIL

BLACK ROSE WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRITTANY O’NEIL @ GRANDPA EDDIE’S SAT. SEPT. 13

Submitted by Elvistra


I haven’t had a chance to do a review in a few weeks, so this article was a special treat and covers two acts that are dear friends and literally cover two generations both in age and music style.

Black Rose played two engrossing sets for the evening, as Grandpa Eddies is a family restaurant/bar and closes early.

Black Rose is: Jean Labelle: vocals, guitar and harmonica
Andre Labelle: percussion
Stevie Gentile: bass

The band originally formed in the same elementary school I actually attended. Their bass player and good friend, Bruce Henn, was taken from us in a fatal car crash early on, and the future of Black Rose seemed uncertain. As time passed they added Stevie G to play bass, knowing Bruce would’ve lovingly approved. Black Rose was now reincarnated, rejuvenated and ready to play again.

This time around, however, the sound would be acoustic, but don’t kid yourself, the power is still there thanks to the relentless Andre Labelle pounding on those drums like he did in the 80’s and 90’s with all the hair metal bands he played with, (some actually famous, like Vinnie Vincent).

The show Saturday was filled with much loved classic rock including some obscure songs you would not expect to hear. Some standard covers are Tom Petty, Bob Segar, The Beatles, Peter Frampton, David Bowie, and my personal favorite, Alice Cooper. Those are the tamer songs of the set, other songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and The Who, really wake you up and get you out on the dance floor thanks yet again to the powerful drums of Andre and Jean and Stevie’s amped energy..

The material is nostalgic and performed with passion and class. Black Rose may have started out at my middle school’s Battle of the Band talent show, but they have matured into a very talented trio that aims to please and leaves you with great memories of songs you probably did naughty things to if you are at least over 35. And if you’re under 35, you really missed out and I have the pictures to prove it!! I guess the bottom line is Black Rose is for everyone because the music is timeless and crosses the age barrier.


That brings me to our second act of the evening, Brittany O’Neil.

Brittany is a fresh new 17 year old singer/songwriter who is nudging her way into the music field one show at a time. It doesn’t hurt that her mom is the beautiful and talented Elana of King Edward and the BD’s and formally of Steppinstone. Naturally trained vocal chords obviously run in the family and Brittany sings with a richness that is well beyond her years.

Brittany was the guest performer with Black Rose and did covers such as Jewel’s “Save Your Soul”, Ben Harper’s “Walk Away”, Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee”, and Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You”.

Britanny also did her own original songs on acoustic guitar with such titles as “From the Balcony”, which mom Elana helped with harmonies, “An Easy Way Out”, which spoke well beyond her youth, “The Homeless Man”, and a duet with Grace DeValk called “I’ve Learned”.

Brittany’s lyrics are solid and truthful and tell a very realistic story of a girl turning quickly into a woman with a beautiful and shining future ahead of her and many, many more gigs to perform.

The support Brittany was shown by her family and friends was obvious when you looked around the room and the majority of people were 18 and under, and sang along with every word. Now that’s impressive, for a musician of any age. Congrats, kiddo, you done good.










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Scott H. Biram at Iota Club

Scott H. Biram at Iota Club, NOVA
Thursday, August 7, 2008
By: Cindy Johnson
aka Elvistra

Scott H. Biram , known by his fans as the “Dirty Old One Man Band”, played to an anxious crowd at the Iota Club in NOVa last week. Mr. Biram is indeed a one man band.

He plays a very beat up 1959 Gibson guitar, mouth harp, has an impressive and colorful array of effect pedals, three microphones bound together with tape and cables, and a chair where he stays seated to make use of his special amplified left foot pedal which furthers the sound effects Biram incorporates into his one man show.


The vocal sound that Biram projects makes him sound like an old blues singer from the swamp, when in reality Scott Biram looks to be in his early thirties. We got to the club early and the friend I traveled with knows Biram quite well which allowed me chance to hang out with him a while before his set started and listen to funny stories about his escapades on the road, and the random people he has met along the way. Biram seems to be your average country boy from Austin , TX , who loves his family and shops at Wal-Mart.


Biram also knows what it is to suffer. He was nearly killed in 2003 when his car was struck head on by an 18 wheeler. He survived certain death and has been celebrating life ever since.


Scott Biram’s music is gritty and soulful and makes you feel a certain pain and anger followed by laughter and hope from up above. Biram attacks all your emotions at once and that is what truly makes his performance memorable.


Songs like “Blood, Sweat and Murder” evoke the aggression of punk and metal, while keeping it’s hillbilly, country and blues roots. It’s something for everyone and his true story ballads like “Sweet Thing” validates what a versatile writer he is, and, although it shows a softer side of Biram, he also lashes out when hurt and the audience feels every part of it.


I guess the coolest thing about Scott H. Biram is that you leave one of his shows feeling like you just made a friend for life. I know the next time I see him, he will remember me as “Miss Cindy” and it will be a wonderful evening. Scott doesn’t know when he will be able to make it to Richmond again, but at least he know he’s wanted.


You can visit Scott H. Biram’s MySpace site listed under: Scott H. Biram, or visit his personal website at ScottBiram.Com. He has very cool merchandise and CD’s for sale on both sites.


Check out some photos:

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The Dregs at Banditos

The Dregs at Banditos
Wed. August 6, 2008
By: Cindy Johnson
aka Elvistra


This is my first entry for MusicRVA. I am very excited to have my first local band review be for a local band that I truly respect and admire and am proud to call my friends.

Last night the Dregs played two energetic sets at the newly-rejuvenated music venue Banditos on Patterson Ave. in the fan. That’s’ right, Banditos means live music once again and not a moment too soon. It’s becoming considerably difficult to get local bands booked in good ol’ RVA, and having a venue like Banditos open to booking local musicians is very exciting for the bands and the fans.

As for the Dregs, who began their musical journey in 2006, they turned out a small but mighty crowd and gave the audience their sweaty best. This bands ability to combine the past and the present of covers and originals is addictive and their original songs are filled with lyrics and beats that make you laugh and pump your fist at the same time.

Writing partners Kim Schneck and Bruce Smith have an uncanny ability to put lyric and music together to make you think you must be listening to an old blues or rockabilly song you never knew existed. The material is clever and catchy.

When you combine Bruce’s “swamp blues” guitar licks, Hank slapping the upright bass, Blee pounding the drums, and Kim singing with the energy and passion of the late great Janis Martin, you just can’t resist getting out of your chair and dancing and slapping your knee to the best local music Richmond has to offer.

The Dregs next show will be in September at Poes Pub and if you like the sounds of rockabilly swamp blues, you better be there!


The Dregs have a new CD entitled “River City Rock and Roll” for $5. See there website for details.

The Band:

Kim Schneck Frauerbach – lead vocals

Hank Frauerbach – upright bass, vocals

Bruce Smith – Lead guitar, vocals

Blee Child – percussion, vocals

Band website: RiverCityRockAndRoll.Com

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Halflit Halo at the Canal Club

Halflit Halo burns bright.

Late last year the rock scene in Richmond VA had some big things happening; some of the best known bands on the scene were breaking up and reforming, only to find that they couldn’t get the “right fit” for their personal and professional taste. In September 2007 Jeb Bach, Peyton Dowdy (formally of Fallen Under) and Chris White decided to give this “new band thing” a shot. After finding local vocal talent Kevin Hagaman (formally of Memory Fade, Fail-Safe, and Kabura) and drummer Stuart “Tripp” Coughlin (formally of Chalkline Beauty) the stage was set and Halflit Halo was born.

Walking in to Canal Club I was a bit skeptical at first, I had heard good things about these guys, personally and musically, but I have always been one to not believe everything I hear and only half of what I read, so I got my hands X‘ed and with innate curiosity surveyed the club. Immediately upon scanning CC I noticed five guys that seemed to be everywhere at once, from the bar to the stage to the tables in between their energy was unparalleled, this I said to myself should be quite the show.

Searching for Timothy got up on stage and opened up the show with a blast of energy and an amazing sound that really got the crowd going. After the intensity that was SFT the next band had a lot to live up to, As Summer Dies a hardcore band from Buffalo NY, rocked the house with a sound and light show that left us all wondering, how can any band top that?

With intense vocals, haunting melodies and copious amounts of energy, Halflit Halo took to the stage and summoned every ounce of emotion and talent they could muster. The fans and the other bands looked on in awe as the first notes of the set rang out. One could easily get lost in the passionate and poignant lyrics of “The Passing” and as they slipped into “Bitter End” and “Eulogy in Transilence” I was struck with a realization: these songs were not just something written to fill a record, each one of these pieces of art meant something to them and in turn conveyed the deepest emotions that seem to get lost in Halflit Halos’ offstage happy-go-lucky personas. However the night was not all dark and heavy, in between songs the mood was upbeat and lively as the guys joked around and laughed about this and that. After “Seeping”, “Say Goodbye” and “Fire Escape from Purgatory” (a personal favorite) they revealed a guest singer for their last song, “Divine Judgment”. A more hardcore song, Gregg Reynolds, jumped up on stage and screamed right on time, complementing Hagaman’s voice beautifully; it was truly a marvelous ending to a spectacular show.

Halflit Halo definitely has proven themselves time and time again as a new force to be reckoned with on the scene, with a stunning live show and a mastered sound that’s all their own, these guys are sure to be a staple on the RVA circuit for a long time to come.

For more info where you can catch HH next, check out the bands official myspace at

HalflitHalo

Author: Crystal Snyder
Crystals MusicRVA Profile

Thousand Yard Stare Review at Alley Katz

Thousand Yard Stare- RVA
Alley Katz, 7/25/08, 10:00PM

A Taste of Thousand Yard Stare

2007 was a great year for the RVA metal scene, with spectacular bands coming out of the woodworks like college kids to beer, it really was a year to go big or go home. If one was to ask around for the best bands in the local metal niche the answers found would vary greatly, but there would be one definite constant, Thousand Yard Stare. Founded in 2006 by Jason Brown and Scot Long (both formerly of Undone and Preshus) and rounding out their sound with Rodney Barnett, Garrett Grubbs (formerly of 15 Minutes of Shame) and Chris Rutherford (former singer for Preshus) these guys enjoyed much success in the local scene, but change was coming.

Fast forward to February of 2008, Thousand Yard Stare hadn’t had a show since November and was searching for a new guitarist. Hope was not far off, however, because out of the ashes of Burn to the Core stepped Ben Rinker ready to take on duties as axeman for this metal machine. After five months holed up in practice and writing, local metal heads held their breath when TYS made the announcement that they would return to the stage, at non-other than Alley Katz.

Many of the locals wondered if these metal mad dogs would have the same power they once had, could they reclaim the title as one of Richmond’s best? Even after a seven month disappearance and a change in the lineup?

At 10:00 on July 25th I found myself walking through the familiar foyer of Alley Katz to find out just that. Standing in the familiar smoke filled room, I saw many faces I had become accustomed to seeing at only the best shows, these were the faces of guys and chicks who knew their metal, and this was judgment day. The chilled atmosphere surrounding the crowd during the first bands set, slowly became more attentive and tense as the members of TYS started to recede back to corner where their instruments waited. Watching the crowd I noticed a keen sense of curiosity over Rinka, the new comer, there was some buzz about if indeed he could compare to Rodney Barnett, a key component in the TYS of yesteryear.

Tuning came and tuning went, without even a hint of what was to come, these guys were good at keeping a crowd in suspense. All eyes in the room were on the stage and it seemed as though even the walls held their breath, the lights went down and Rutherford stepped up to the mic, and after a shout out of “what’s up Richmond?” came a thunderous assault on the ears, Thousand Yard Stare had returned.

With heavy riffs, machine gun rhythm and melodic madness right out of the gate, it was clear from the first note that they were here to conquer. From “Residence” to “A Chance Meeting” to “The Dead in The Corner” Rutherford’s powerful vocals and primal screams were dead on, and with Brown, Long, Grubbs, and Rinka doing their thing as only the best can, it became clear that not only had Thousand Yard Stare returned, Thousand Yard Stare was here to stay.

After a few shout outs and thank yous from the band (Chris from Alley Katz, Justin from Saint Diablo (for running lights), The Bartender, NUMA, Remembrance, and Halflit Halo) The band proceeded to dedicate a song, “Fascist Freaks,” to Rob Baylor (original member of Preshus) who couldn’t resist the opportunity to rejoin his old bandmates, and jumped up on the stage to sing.

The crowd was going nuts from the first note to the last, the moshing got intense and the head banging even more so, Thousand Yard Stare is incredible blend of raw talent, high energy, in your face metal, that is sure to raise the standard of new and old bands alike. A live show shouldn’t be missed.

By: Crystal Snyder

Canal Club Show Review by Bridget Taylor

The Canal Club

Bands:
Threat of Scarlet: 7/10

Nemesis 10/10
Nemesis

Unheard Concept 9.5/10

Silk Attraction 9.5/10
Silk Attraction

A review by rokbonka aka Bridget Taylor

February 2nd was the day of two shows: The mighty Killswitch Engage at Toad’s Place and Unheard Concept with special guests at The Canal Club. I decided to ditch the Killswitch Engage show in order to hear music I haven’t experienced yet… And I was a little too late on buying a ticket. Anyway.

Would these four bands make up for a nationally recognized band?

The first band that kicked it off was Threat of Scarlet. Hailing from Richmond, these guys probably had the least show experience, so to speak. They started with an instrumental track before the lead singer took the stage. Their songs were interesting, but lacking in a bit in the variations. After growling out the performance, the vocalist thanked everyone and the band left the stage.

Nemesis was next. These guys, from Virginia Beach, epitomized the core definition of a metal show. Not only was this their first time at the Canal Club, it was also the last show of their bassist, Bruce. Not that any of that stopped them from putting on a hell raising show. The vocalist involved the crowd by getting them to yell out phrases, such as “Something Evil”, “Social!”, and. During the song “Everyone”, the band threw jumping in with their headbanging, causing a guitar peg (which holds the strap) to break off solidly. During the last song, the crowd paid tribute to Bruce leaving by giving him the bird, the only fitting way to say goodbye.

So how do you follow up that? You bring out Unheard Concept, of course. This was the mark of their 1st anniversary together, as well as their guitarist (Mike)’s 21st birthday. These guys have bonded with Nemesis (seeing as both bands are from Virginia Beach), and have another show with them March 1st; the singer came out sporting a “Nemesis” shirt as well. Throughout playing their set, free “Silk Attraction” shirts were thrown into the crowd to hype up for the next band. Not only did they rock out their songs, but also added a cover of “Ice, Ice Baby” to the mix. The only problem they had of the night (and it only occurred to them) was momentary feedback of the mic. That didn’t bother anyone, and the show carried on with more headbanging, jumping, and craziness. During the last song, all the bands and a few others were onstage, rocking out to the tune.

The final band of the night was Silk Attraction. It’s been a while since the Richmond-based band has played, and they have a busy schedule coming up (their album is due to release, and they plan to tour over the summer). They also gave out shirts as well as copies of their CD through the course of the show. Singer Jenna belted out the words with a sultry voice, accompanied by the hard riffs of guitar and bass and the steady bang of the drum. The songs were not only rock, they were also surprisingly danceable. “Poison” got the crowd to move, while “Blood” pumped fists and raised horns everywhere.

So, back to my original question: Were these bands really as cracked up as a national act? I think so. You can find all these bands on Myspace to find out what they’re doing next and listen to their hits. I highly recommend at least one show with each band – you won’t regret it.

ROCKIT.

Getting Off the Couch - by The Dark Pickle

Show Review: January 8th
Venue: Ramakin's
By: The Dark Pickle

Tuesday night is usually one I spend laying around the house. Seriously, what ever goes on on a Tuesday night? The 8th of January this year was an exception and proved to me my small mindedness. I heard from my friend Chuck that his band, Botox Party, was playing at a place down near VCU called Ramakin’s. I had never been to Ramakin’s before, but I did know the building… I used to feast upon huge chicken burritos from the building’s former tenant, Taqueria Loco. I have to admit, I was at first skeptical as to how a show could be pulled in off in that space, being what I would politely describe as “intimate”. However, as I was to soon find out, it is more than just possible. It was happening, full on.

The show started with what turned out to be the best surprise of the evening. A band that I did not even know was on the bill came on first, Make Do and Mend from Hartford, Connecticut. They tore into their first song, “Insomniac Jams”, with an awesome energy and sound that I first took for being like Hot Water Music (in the best possible way). Through their set, though, they proved that they were more than a one-tune band. Though their set was short and sweet, it demonstrated some distinct sounds, which led me to wonder if everyone in the band pitched in on the songwriting. Equal parts kind-of- dark pop punk and post hardcore, with elements reminiscent of some favorites from my teenage years such as Face to Face and Samiam, I really enjoyed these guys. Bought their cd. Would see again.

The next band, The Holdup, apparently a local favorite, drew the strongest crowd of the evening. It’s easy to see why. They have a sound that I could only think to describe as “party punk”. Kind of how when Black Flag’s “TV Party” comes on: everyone in the room who knows the song starts nodding their head to the opening bassline and, soon enough, somebody is pumping their fist in the air and singing along. That was how it seemed with these guys. Everybody in the band seemed to be having a good time. They worked the crowd with some funny intro banter which immediately brought to mind one of my old favorites from the 80’s, The Dead Milkmen. Fun set all around. Oh, I almost forgot… lead guitar player is pretty sick. There should’ve been more solos.

Band number three was 556, form Brooklyn. Now, I take back everything I said about Make Do and Mend sounding even remotely like Hot Water Music. 556 really sounded like Hot Water Music. They reinforced this perception by playing two HWM covers in their set. Don’t get me wrong, I particularly enjoyed “Rooftops”, but it was almost like a seeing tribute band.

The second surprise of the evening came when the lead singer of 556 gave up his guitar and took a seat on the drum throne for the next band, Local Tough Guy. Though he was certainly capable in his role as a guitar player/frontman, he had way more energy behind the drums. These guys played the kind of punk that I would expect from a band out of Boston. A little harder than their Brooklyn counterparts, a little tougher sounding (my NY friends will kick my ass for saying that).

It was getting late. Some of the lamer folks had already headed home for the evening. I was determined, however, to stick it out to hear Botox Party. Though Danny describes their sound as “shit rock”, I always enjoy their distinctive riff-heavy pop/metal/punk sound. Definitely, they’re not into doing a sound or genre. A song can go seamlessly from a super-poppy lead riff , a la Blink 182, and into a full on metal blast beat and back and have you bobbing your head the whole time. Chuck, formerly of I Live With Zombies (are they really gone forever?), has developed a style that incorporates some elements of his older efforts, but he is definitely evolving as a songwriter.

Their set was great, as usual, but as the hour wore closer and closer to bedtime and Botox Party wrapped it up, my eyelids grew heavy. The next morning I was reminded of why I usually sit around on my couch and go to sleep early on Tuesday nights. Luckily, it wasn’t anything that a big ass cup of espresso couldn’t fix. The experience left me determined to go check out more weeknight shows, though. There’s too much good music going on than you can cram into two days of the week.