Live show #11: Valkyrie at RAS Hall

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

Listen/download the show:

Live show #10: Fight Amp at Charm City Art Space

I did not originally intend to attend this show, but my show with Xozo got shut down, so I headed over to Charm City Art Space. These circumstances unfortunately caused me to miss most of the bands, including the amazing Multicult, whose live performances always seem to evade me.

I arrived during the beginning of Pfisters' set.* They played competent, punky noise rock. Their set was a little lengthy but they included a cover of Agent Orange's "Bloodstains" (you might recognize it from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4) which was fun.           

Fight Amp were the headliners, one of my favorites. Practically every time I've seen them they've had a new lineup. Tonight was no exception, with a new drummer in the fold (who made his shitty frankenstein kit sound great). Even though Fight Amp have a new album coming out and a better, more recent one, they heavily favored their first album, Hungry for Nothing. I like that album a lot, but I've heard them play those songs many times; it would have been nice to hear some stuff from the underrated Manners and Praise. Still, it's a shame more people didn't show up; Fight Amp's sound and delivery were exceptional. Be sure to catch 'em next time!

-Ben

*I greatly regret posting a myspace link, but this seems to be their only web presence.

Listen/Download the show:

Live show #2: Wizard Rifle at Golden West

I arrived at the Golden West cafe in time to catch Dan Ivan's set. I'm glad I did; it was this guitarist playing weird noisy rock stuff with loops. "Weird noisy rock" is an probably an apt description of all the bands that played this show.

Next was Lady Piss. Revolta played with them awhile ago at the now-defunct Hexagon, so I was familiar with them. Check 'em out; they're definitely the best AmRep-noise rock worshippers around. Or maybe the only ones, but regardless they always impress me live. During their set this time this crazy random guy came storming into the Golden West, demanded they stop (they didn't), and proceeded to bring in a bunch of old clothes and food, saying he was sacrificing for everyone there or something. I guess they eventually kicked him out, but it was pretty err... entertaining.


Wizard Rifle, on tour from Oregon, were last. I've seen their name around a lot, being that they're on Seventh Rule, but I hadn't really checked them out prior to tonight. Too bad! I certainly enjoyed their 2-piece sludgy, mathy noise rock sound. The guitarist made really good use of his whammy pedal; something I rarely see. It's too bad more people didn't show up, but Wizard Rifle seemed satisfied after their set. Catch them the next time they roll around!

Download the show: 042912 Wizard Rifle at Golden West

-Ben