This show was the first time I'd been to DC in a while, and my first experience with the RAS hall. The venue is an Ethiopian restaurant, kinda like Asefu's, but with a more sensible layout. The thing is, shows have to be over pretty early, so this one started around 3 pm.
Ilsa opened. They played some new material from their new full-length on A389, coming this Halloween. The new stuff was a marked improvement on their sound, capitalizing on each members' strengths more than in the past. I've watched this band from the beginning, and it's good to see they're still improving. Their live sound in particular these days is much more discernable. They never fail to disappoint.
Richmond greats Inter Arma were next, playing a long set of long songs. They're still playing mostly songs from Sundown, but they have a new EP out and a forthcoming full-length. Here's another band with whom I have a long history. It's always a treat to see these guys, and they always deliver. TJ's drumming usually steals the show for me; over-the-top but always on-point. Their new material delves deeper into the black metal they hinted at with Sundown.
Lastly, Harrisonburg's Valkyrie rocked us for nearly an hour. This band has Alan from the awesome Earthling as well as Pete Adams from a little band called Baroness. Valkyrie play doomy, guitar-harmony-driven rock. It's feel-good music for me, and while perhaps they're not reinventing the wheel, the delivery was nearly flawless. Each member has enough style to make the music special. Though it was weird having the show over at 7, it ran smoothly and hopefully they continue to have shows at RAS hall.
-Ben
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