Bad Magic - koritfw
The duo Bad Magic, featuring the enchanting Julie Karr as well as Jimmy Held (White Laces), has released an album with tracks engineered by Allen Bergendahl (Scott’s Addition Sound). Known for her intimate acoustic performances, Karr takes things to the next level with electric garage rock. Held plays drums, and his rhythms are nasty. Karr’s lusty alto belts out the dark melodies, and we don’t even miss the bass. Held actually plays bass on the last track, “Cool Hand,” but it’s so soft and low on the neck that it barely counts. Other tracks like “Sympathy Card” have riffs designed around a lower-end guitar, but for the most part, it’s treble and percussion all the way.
The coolest part of this album is the singability. Karr’s catchy airs will get you to sing along, even if you’re not a vocalist. “You got the cruelest heart/You don’t even know,” she cries in “Cruelest Heart.” She’s got this gospel quality as well, which sort of floods every song with this intense spiritual sense. Well done, guys.
photo by PJ Sykes Photography
Super Show Saturday!
Luray, with 1/2 of its members from RVA and 1/2 from DC, will bring their intimate folk experience to The Camel on Saturday, 5/11. Joining them will be Richmond folk favorites Nick Coward and The Last Battle as well as the lovely Low Branches. 9 pm, $5.
Luray features bluegrass-trained banjo player Shannon Carey, and her upcoming album was engineered by brother Sean Carey (Bon Iver). Filling out the posse are VCU alums Brian Cruse and CJ Wolfe (both of whom play in The Larri Branch Agenda, The JSmith Trio & Sueños Gitanos) among a couple of other DC musicians. There are currently three preview tracks from the new album on the band’s site, and here is a video from a recent performance (“Promise of Lakes”):
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Hellbear - “Shadowlands”
The unruly ursus urbanites Hellbear have emerged from their hibernation and just released a demo track called “Shadowlands.” This pre-summer tunage will not only shred your innards but might even contribute to a delightful party atmosphere.
The band also has a couple insane new t-shirts:
by Barf Comics
Also check out the Satanic dreamcatcher design by Karlynn Holland:
The Lone Bellow - “Teach Me to Know”
Win a pair of tickets to see The Lone Bellow and Radical Face @ Friday Cheers this week!
E-mail me at soundsofrva at gmail dot com by Thursday at noon to enter! Winner will be drawn randomly.
The Lone Bellow (pictured below) is a three-piece Brooklyn string band which has taken the roots scene by storm. The band’s stunning harmonies will suck you in. Zach Williams is the lead singer and principal song writer.
When we think of Radical Face, we tend to think about 2007, the year his album with single “Welcome Home” was released. The lush string pop song had a really resonant refrain. Jacksonville’s Ben Cooper is the name behind the project, and he will bring his latest lineup on Friday.
Radical Face, “Welcome Home”:
so pretty - photo by Nic Croucher
gettin’ it - photo by Brett Yanoski
Early Sunday night show on 5/19!
CVLT Nation presents their 100th Sonic Cathedrals mix tape curated by Windhand. Stream and download it here!
flyer by the wonderful Britt Novitch
Come out to Bogart’s in the Fan on Saturday, 5/18 and be a part of something way cool. This is the first of a series of showcases we’ll be doing with Bogart’s, so check back for more announcements! We are beyond stoked!
Night Idea - “Born in Debt”
Math post-rockers Night Idea have shared a track from their upcoming album, Paths. This is a release on The Subterranea Collective label, The 5+ minute track covers a lot of ground, and the crescendo at the end just whets our musical appetite for more. Not only are these dudes bandmates, but they are good friends. This track was engineered by Bryan Walthall at The Sound of Music Studios.
Come out to see Night Idea on 5/31 @ The Camel with Fight Cloud, Kid Architect, and Basmati. 9 pm, $6.
The band made a video while recording at Sound of Music. Check it out:
Get sloshed with Positive No for Cinco de Mayo!
RVA’s favorite oxymorons Positive No have a fantastic little cocktail for those with a sweet tooth.
Green Tea Margaritas have a bunch of rad ingredients that make us want to imbibe before 10 in the morning (pssh, it’s Friday, what). Start out with green tea ice cubes and finish with a stick of ROCK CANDY. My dentist is already way pissed.
Oh yeah, and don’t forget Positive No’s upcoming show May 17 @ Gallery 5 with The Snowy Owls and Canary Oh Canary. 7:30 doors, 8:00 pm music, all ages, $5. Pregame with a green tea margarita or two and you’ll be in perfect shape.
First Creature - “World’s Worst”
RVA’s First Creature just formed in 2013 and they have a couple of recordings out. The band includes members of Fire Bison. Adrienne Shurte, guitarist and vocalist, coos and moans amidst fuzzy guitars and a clanging drum kit. Check out “Early Earth Quakes:”
Come out to Balliceaux on 5/9 for First Creature with MUTWAWA; 5/19 @ Banditos with Bad Magic.
photos by Ron Akins
