9 Richmond bands to watch in 2009

By Andrew Cothern

Published: December 30, 2008

There’s no shortage of musicians in this town and it seems like new ones are popping up every day. But there are few around here you should be taking note of. 2008 featured a number of Richmond bands releasing excellent albums. Expect to see these names often in 2009.

HOT LAVA
http://www.myspace.com/hotlavaep
They describe themselves as “The Pretenders meet Weird Al” and their style reflects that perfectly. Their new album, “Lavalogy” is full of pop rock goodness reminiscent of the 90s with a lot of fun thrown in.

JONATHAN VASSAR & THE SPECKLED BIRD
http://www.myspace.com/jonathanvassar
Richmond folk artist Jonathan Vassar’s style comes from the deep roots of country music and the songs of the 60s. What we get from Vassar’s EP “The Hours and The Days” is an amazing collection of folk songs that range from the slow and heartfelt to the upbeat and powerful. Fresh off a show at The National, it’ll be no surprise seeing this trio going places.

AGAINST GRACE
http://www.againstgrace.com
Against Grace has been on the Richmond music scene for the last few years, but with the release of their latest album “Monroe,“ the guys have stepped it up a notch and cemented themselves as proficient musicians. That talent comes through on this album, which is a non-stop ride in alternative rock.

MERMAID SKELETONS
http://www.myspace.com/joshuahryciakofthemermaidskeletons
Mermaid Skeletons has a simple acoustic, almost whimsical sound to them. Listening to the mixture of guitars, accordions, harpsichord and singer Josh Hryciak’s voice makes you feel like you’re entering a mystical fantasy world. They released their latest EP, “The Darlings” with a concert in the garden at the Poe Museum – a very fitting setting for them.

NOW SLEEPYHEAD
http://www.myspace.com/nowsleepyhead
Best friends Now Sleepyhead got together, performed a bunch of shows and released “Nocturne,“ a raw, emotionally filled album. Members of the group are able to switch instruments - including guitars, French horns and piano - at the drop of a hat and mix it all together perfectly.

GLOWS IN THE DARK
http://www.myspace.com/glowsinthedarkmusic
This instrumental jazz band has been playing everywhere you can imagine in the city. “Music To Listen To Glows In The Dark By” is full of catchy hooks and an assortment of talent crammed into one album. Members of Glows in the Dark are also part of other Richmond bands including No BS Brass Band and Fight The Big Bull, so you always have a chance to check out this music.

AT THE STARS
http://www.myspace.com/atthestarsrock
The Brit-pop influenced style of At The Stars will have you bobbing your head and singing along in no time at all. The high energy guitars and melodies from “October/November/December” are full of influences from bands like The Cure, Radiohead and U2. At the Stars is currently in the studio, finishing up their second EP, tentatively titled “Oxygen & Rust,“ which will be released in early 2009.

PRABIR AND THE SUBSTITUTES
http://www.myspace.com/prabirandthesubstitutes
If you haven’t heard of Prabir and the Substitutes, you’ve been living under a rock for some time. From the opening track on “Five Little Pieces,“ the album explodes with bold harmonies. Paste Magazine named them Band of the Week this summer and it won’t be long before they are huge.

MARIONETTE
http://www.myspace.com/marionettebandpage
Marionette has no less than six members in the band and their instruments range from the standard to the unusual (finger cymbals, cowbells, violin bow - which they use on the drums). While playing, they have experimental videos playing on the screen behind them. Marionette has so much energy, you can’t help but get up and get into the music. They’ve been recording a new album for the majority of 2008 and expect to release to a welcoming audience in the new year.