ARTS Pick: Bella Morte

From the first note, Bella Morte is an all-out assault on the senses, with gothic metal as its weapon of choice. With a nod to Evanescence and Linkin Park, the local-born rockers continue the tradition of combining explosive sounds with brooding rhythms. An original mix of powerful guitars laced with electric synth that vacillates from […]

ARTS Pick: Kishi Bashi

There’s no metaphor or comparison that can illuminate the splendor of Kishi Bashi’s music. It’s beautiful and there’s no better way to describe it. Brandishing his violin, the Norfolk-based musician creates lush melodies that are soft and dream-like, accentuated by Asian undertones and complemented by upbeat electric riffs, melancholy bass chords and thoughtful lyrics. His […]

ARTS Pick: Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes

If there’s one thing that Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes prove, it’s that music always benefits from a little attitude. Their sound captures a swanky sense of fun from the blues era, delivering a healthy kick that wakes the soul to an experience beyond clichés and catchy hooks. Supported by a classic trio of […]

ARTS Pick: Pat Metheny

Legendary guitarist and composer Pat Metheny has been on the scene since 1976’s Bright Size Life (his seminal debut with bassist Jaco Pastorious and drummer Bob Moses) and has toured continuously for decades. His is a rich, fluid, and conceptually ambitious tone, colored by influences as wide-ranging as the swing of Wes Montgomery or the […]

From the editor-at-large: In context

It was autumn, and I had just moved to Charlottesville late that summer to embark upon the second phase of architecture school. I was thrilled, humbled, and full of optimism. Back then, I kept a paper map of North Carolina in my car. It had torn edges, crisp, hair-thin folds, and palimpsest markings of journeys […]

ARTS Pick: Project Pat

Rap lovers know that the best beats come from hard-hitting rhythms coupled with solid flows of raw lyrics. That’s why Project Pat remains a standout of the genre. The brother of Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J, Pat gives fans exactly what they want; a steady roll of unabashed rap glory. Characterized by a pulsing […]

ARTS Pick: Now That’s What I Call Evil

It’s time to get your evil on, or at least enjoy the sound of evil as your favorite Broadway baddies and Disney villains display their wickedness through song. Play On’s musical revue Now That’s What I Call Evil brings together the most vile characters from the screen and stage for a single evening of musical […]