Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Demagogue — Bad Blood EP

Figure I might as well put up more tunes from my first real band. This EP was six of Demagiggle's first songs, plus a SLF cover. It's a strange cross-section of punk, kind of crusty, a little bit hardcore, a definite late-70s influence. Keep in mind that we were all under 18 though, so it's a little weird. It was also recorded after Jake left but before Sam joined, so it's really heavy with the Patrick/Alethea influence, also very weird. This was recorded by Corey at the MRC, so it sounds pretty good, at least. It also has the hit single 'Motivation,' the first time I ever sang on a recording. SO POS. Actually it's all kind of silly looking back, but we had some fun times. Now it's just another piece of Charlottesville history, I guess.

You can also check out our unreleased LP if you're interested here.

Demagogue — Bad Blood EP 

Track Listing:
  1. A King And His Crown
  2. Motivation
  3. Up The Subordinates
  4. Tainted Water
  5. Pedestal
  6. Sleepless In Sedation
  7. Alternative Ulster (Stiff Little Fingers)
Originally a small side project from M2S, Demagogue was built around Patrick and his then-girlfriend Alethea. Jake Phipps showed up to the first practice, but phased himself out and was eventually replaced by Sam Richardson, at which point we cranked up the rock. It wasn't very good. It was hardly punk, and contained far too many awkward screams and yelps. That being said, I got a lot better a bass during our 6-8 hour per week practice sessions, and we managed to create some interesting, if unusual songs. We spent like 30+ hours in the MRC's studio trying to record and mix an LP, which unfortunately never saw the light of day; however, I recently got my hands on a copy, and I have to say, we were on to something… too bad that that something was so strange and ephemeral that it serves as an example of our potential, rather than our actual quality.


Minor Twang — Seeing Red, White, And Blue

This is a joke, but it also sounds sweet. It's in the acorestic trend of a couple years back, taking the lyrics to hardcore songs and singing them over acoustic music. This particular one is "Seein' Red, White, and Blue" by "Minor Twang," a collection of Minor Threat tunes over country or western music. Pretty funny, but only because it's well done. Well worth a listen.

Minor Twang — Seeing Red, White, And Blue

Track Listing:
  1. Straight Edge
  2. Guilty Of Being White
  3. I Don't Want To Hear It
  4. Guilty Of Being White
  5. Minor Threat

Friday, November 19, 2010

Dry Spell — Demo

Dry Spell's debut demo from a couple years back. If you're from the area and you've never heard them, either you don't know what the core is or you're living under a boulder. At the bottom of a mine shaft. These dudes rip, it's hardcore but it riffs a lot on mid-tempo rock'n'roll. Really awesome style with some growly vocals. This demo is a little crunchy but sounds fine, pretty good mix. Some killer tunes on here too, especially 'Pig Meat.'

Dry Spell — Demo

Track Listing:
  1. World Of Shit
  2. Road Rage
  3. Pig Meat
  4. Freak Acts
Dry Spell are a sick nasty band from Richmond. They have a raucous live set, they're a lot of fun. They have a couple seven inches out that you should pick up. Snuff Daddy even has a song about them. Don't miss out on this.

http://www.myspace.com/dryspellusa
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dry-Spell/258157774702

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Raindance — Demo 2010

Raindance is a new band from Charlottesville, members of Werebear, Full Court Press, Gutter Strutter, that whole crew. Chappy once again fronts, this time with almost scarily negative lyrics and some insightful commentary on sexuality and relationships. Recording quality is solid if not groundbreaking, but the music is straightforward and well-played (Sam can put some good crunch on a guitar) and there's a good matchup between vocal content and musical style. It makes allusions to Richmond riffs, but also to newer West Coast bands like Trash Talk or Ceremony. Maybe I'm analyzing too much. Anyway, solid dudes, solid band. Check this out if you're into good music.

Raindance — Demo 2010

Track Listing:
  1. Flaws
  2. Broken Machine
  3. Come Alive
  4. I Know Your Type
Raindance started a year or so ago in Charlottesville, although half the band lives in Richmond now. They don't seem to be doing too much at the present, but hopefully they'll get it going again and play some more house shows.

http://www.myspace.com/raindanceva