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Photo courtesy Metal Blade Records Inc.
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Photo courtesy Adrenaline PR
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Photo courtesy Bio Ritmo
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Photo courtesy Bridge Nine Records
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Photo courtesy No BS! Brass
You might be new in town and just not know things — that the Nickel Bridge is actually 35 cents, say, or that a Shockoe Slip is not an undergarment. Or maybe you aren't aware that Richmond's music scene is active and all over the place. Rock, folk, country, hip-hop, Latin-funk, chillwave — hell, we've got guys playing gourds around here! You'll have fun discovering all of these great sounds for yourself, but we'll give you a good head start here with five of Richmond's most influential, successful and active bands:
1. GWAR
Less of a musical group than a VCU art installation gone berserk, this freakish ensemble has been fusing together scatological humor, outlandish sci-fi costuming and ear-pinning heavy metal for 30 years. It's been a provocative endeavor from the beginning — band members have names like Jizmak Da Gusha and Balsac the Jaws of Death — and GWAR has been banned from area nightclubs while also being nominated for Grammy Awards. That's a nice trick. Led by Oderus Urungus (aka Dave Brockie), the group recently self-curated an art exhibit of three decades of stage props, record sleeves, costume sketches and more otherworldly creations. But they've hardly mellowed: GWAR's latest album, Battle Maximus, contains absolutely no ballads, and they will still, at live gigs, spray their rabid fans with viscous liquids. That's love. gwar.net
2. Lamb of God
Led by singer Randy Blythe, LOG has been described as a punk band that plays heavy metal, and in a town that loves loud sounds, they may bring it the loudest. LOG's apocalyptic lyrics and menacing dynamics have built the quintet a huge international fan base. Their post-modern soundtrack has helped to define today's hard-edged modern metal (they, too, have enjoyed Grammy nominations), even if lead singer Blythe's 2012 manslaughter charge in the Czech Republic after the death of a stage-diving fan has somewhat overshadowed the music of late. A new feature documentary, As the Palaces Burn, chronicles the whole legal ordeal and will be in limited release in February. lamb-of-god.com
3. Bio Ritmo
For more than 20 years, through various permutations and band switch-ups, this : "salsa machine" has made Richmond a prime, if unlikely, export for intricate Afro-Caribbean rhythms and stirring dance-floor epiphanies. The ensemble has also made a series of stellar 45s and CDs over the years — a new release on Vampisoul records is ready to drop soon — filled with sophisticated and sensuous forays into Cuban and African modes, informed by the Latin funk and jazz of the '70s. Bio Ritmo has also flowered the area's music scene in its spare time with Os Magrelos, Miramar, Fuzzy Baby, The Girtles and the late Amazing Ghost; just keeping up with all of the side projects can be a full-time hobby. bioritmo.com
4. Strike Anywhere
Although they've been out of the spotlight of late, this veteran R-Town punk rock group, fronted by vocalist Thomas Barnett, has won fame for its video game soundtrack appearances and its intense and unrelenting music, which often touches on left-wing political concerns. Unlike many artists, SA invites fans to tape shows and post them on the web. But aside from a summer tour in Europe and a January show in Quebec City, Canada, there hasn't been much to share recently. "As of this writing, we have no firm plans for any other touring or recording," reads a statement on their website. "But the creative fire is still lit between the five of us, and we will be building a new record through these next few seasons on our own timeline." We stay tuned for the next strike. strikeanywhere.org
5. No BS! Brass Band
No BS! unites Richmond's finest horn players in a rousing ensemble that never fails to provide booty-shaking original tunes and audacious covers. Founded by ace trombonist Reggie Pace (you know him from his work with Bon Iver) and drummer/recording engineer Lance Koehler, the 11-piece band released two discs last year: RVA All Day, which has been winning over national music critics, and Fight Song: A Tribute to Charles Mingus, which boldly re-arranges a jazz master in a brass band setting. No BS!'s unapologetic local ties are helping to re-brand Richmond as a fun, youthful music town — they've even offered up their joyous chant-song, "RVA All Day," to booster groups. nobsbrass.com
