Just when you think you’ve heard all the local bands Richmond has to offer, more keep popping up. Some show up and fade away, while others have the potential to become huge. Check out a few of blossoming talent Richmond has to offer.
Vampire Octopus
This one’s brand spanking new so to speak. Vampire Octopus is made up of songbird Lydia Ooghe and the talented Trey Pollard and they released their self-titled EP just this week. Simply put, it’s an album that makes you feel good. It’s full of simple catchy melodies and shimmering guitar riffs that are very reminiscent of bands like the Beach Boys and the Turtles. Just try to be in a bad mood after listening to this. Listen to the band’s album here: vampireoctopus.bandcamp.com
Drew Martin and the Limelights
Drew Martin and the Limelights is made up members of the alt-rockers Jim Ivins Band, yet manage to craft music into a totally different direction – one that’s full of a lot of energetic sounds and extremely catchy and very heartfelt lyrics reminding me a lot of bands like the Goo Goo Dolls. Listen to the band’s album here: soundcloud.com/dmlimelights
Lorem Ipsum
Post-hardcore band Loren Ipsum has been making some waves around the city lately. They’ve already started making a name for themselves playing at a bunch of venues and recently were part of RVA Music Fest. The band’s new 7″ is incredibly catchy and well put together, yet still maintains that raw feeling to the music at the time. Listen to the band’s music here: loremipsummusic.bandcamp.com
Dead Fame
Indie rock band Dead Fame just formed this year and are already taking Richmond by storm. They take many styles of bands like The Cure, Bauhaus and New Order, and you can hear plenty of influences from New Wave and electronic music of the early 1980s. However, the group adds its own dark style into the mix, keeping it fresh and contemporary. Listen to the band’s music here: deadfame.com
Corey McLemore
Okay, this one may be cheating a little, since hip hop artist Corey McLemore no longer lives in Richmond and has since moved to Brooklyn. But the young rapper keeps RVA in his heart and in his lyrics and his newest release “The Definition” can barely hold the immense talent he has. Listen to the track “King” and you’ll be singing along. Listen to his album here: coreymclemore.bandcamp.com
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Andrew Cothern is a self-proclaimed music freak, although he prefers the term “connoisseur” and writes about music daily in his blog RVAPlaylist. He loves discovering new music and will gladly make you a mixtape if you ask him. He may even make you two.