Richmond has one of the most exciting local scenes in the country, and this Friday, January 16th, two of Richmond's most entertaining bands will play DC's Black Cat mainstage, complimented brilliantly by DC local M.H. & His Orchestra, for what is sure to be one of the tightest, most energetic, and interesting lineups of the year.  

People's Blues of Richmond (or "PBR") are already well known to many. They're a psychadelic blues power trio, like (early) Led Zeppelin from the Dirty South. Crazy-tight and loud, they deliver the energy live, and their fans are wonderful and almost as entertaining. I saw them on a pirate boat on the Potomac a few months ago, and it was easily the best show of the year.

M.H. & His Orchestra is wild and chill at the same time. Like a lot of the music I love from Richmond, they mix the cheesy, the dirty, and excellent musicianship into weird pop perfection, making them the perfect group to sandwich between two bands from RVA. M.H. is psychadelia and lounge music and soundscapes and fearless arrangements. Every listen puts a smile on my face, and each song is a unique surprise.

Toxic Moxie describe themsevles as "disco punk," and, while apt, that description doesn't express the balls-out freakshow awesomness of this band. Toxic Moxie's super sexyness sneaks up on you, 'cause they come at you super weird. I want to watch this band and dance and do unsavory things until the sun comes up. And they're opening the show. Like booster rockets.

Do it. Friday January 16th, Black Cat. Doors at 9. $12 adv/$15 day of.  --Natan Press

Loud Boyz is finally releasing a 7" this Saturday, January 10th, at Comet Ping Pong! The single includes the songs Hard Feelings and 4 the Ladies, and can be pre-ordered at Cricket Cemetery.

Loud Boyz will be joined by DC garage/surf heartthrobs Shark Week, who are preparing the highly anticipated album, Beach Fuzz, for 2015 (check out lead single "Desire"). This is a super lineup, featuring two of DC's hottest bands, poised for national success, on one stage, and not to be missed. Saturday, January 10th, @ Comet Ping Pong. 10PM. $12. --Natan Press

Just a few weeks after releasing his debut, Hit The Showers, Sports Coach is back with another EP, Grab Your Balls and Get On The Court. This time around the NFL sound bites are sent to the bench but coach’s lo-fi charm remains the same and even a little hazier.  Several tracks suggest a poor performance on the field or court, but Sports Coach always tries to make it sound positive, as a good coach would. Coach sums it up quite well: “Poetry is dumb, no muscles needed."

-Hayden Karnitz, @hkarnutz

Sports Coach performs Tuesday at Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain, MA, with The Deli's artist of the month, Nathan Ventura.

 DC's Paperhaus are ramping up for their first full length release early next year. Shortly after returning from a tour of the east coast, they dropped their first single, "Cairo," and have just released it's companion video. Directed by Nigel Lyons (who's been doing some amazing work for the best bands in the local scene), the video channels booth the energy and excitement of Paperhaus' live show, and the vivid colors and vibrant tones of the band's recordings. These masters of DC's current DIY scene are set to dominate the national stage. Catch them locally while you still can at The Black Cat on October 13th, and DC9 on October 23rd. --Natan Press

 DC's hottest band Wanted Man have released a video for their garage-rock blitz "Slow and Steady." Ahahaha! It's funny 'cause the title is misleading. I know you have less than two minutes to check out the video below, recorded at DC's house of houses The Paperhaus. When does this album drop? I need it. --Natan Press