Richmond - Anyone that is a fan of electronica music has been looking forward to February for a long time.  Richmond, for some amazing reason, seems to be the epicenter for great electronica and jam bands this winter, and February appears to be the equivalent of a climax for amazing shows.  The show that was poised to kick off the “electronica run” at the National was one that featured local favorites the Silo Effect opening for one of the hottest live electronica acts currently touring, Papadosio.  There was no need to worry about a small crowd on this particular evening.  Word was spreading quickly that Papadosio was blowing the roof off every venue they were playing, leading up to the show at the National, and the addition of the Silo Effect was only going to strengthen these feelings throughout music fans in Richmond.  The vibes flowing through the crowd, along with the well-known fact that the National has the ability to launch these shows into an electronically induced orbit seemed to be the only catalyst that the eager fans needed to rage their faces off.  Silo took the stage around 9:30, and it was on.

The Silo Effect seemed eager and excited to be opening for Papadosio, especially in one of the largest venues in their hometown.  The foursome has been working on a lot of new music recently, and it was very obvious on this night that they wanted the crowd to hear and appreciate all of the hard work that they have been putting in.  Their music is constantly changing and evolving.  The electronic elements are getting more and more diverse, infusing elements of dubstep and rock into the electronica and jam music that they have become known for.  The risks have proved to be more than worth it.  Most of the time, a lot of people show up late in hopes of missing the opening acts, or just because they only wanted to see the headliner in the first place.  Silo smashed that stereotype, with fans huddled against the stage barrier chanting for the band before they ever took the stage.  Songs like “Let 'Em Know”, “Surfaces”, and “Flight of the Dog” were the perfect prelude to the night, and put those in attendance in an impeccable frame of mind.  I feel a bit honored, living in a city where I can see this band play on a pretty regular basis.  It certainly won’t be long until they get the break they deserve, but until then we should all feel lucky to be able to see a group of this caliber opening for anyone.

When Papadosio took the stage I was really hoping for something amazing.  I saw them play last summer on a tiny stage at Camp Barefoot 4, and a few months later when they came through Richmond and played a very intimate set at the Canal Club.  I knew that this night under the lights at the National was going to be a chance for them to show the people of Richmond that they are witnessing a star on the rise.  They did not, by any stretch of the imagination, disappoint.  From the moment the first notes of “Find Your Cloud” entered the speakers, I knew it was on.  Papadosio has one of the smoothest sounds of any electronica band that is out right now, and when you add the pounding bass and a crowd of 800 ready-to-rage people, you get a night that is still being talked about for a very long time.

To me, a good show is solid from beginning to end.  There is no letdown in the middle; there are no opportunities for the crowd to stop moving.  On this particular night you would have had to make a conscious effort to pull yourself away from the music, and there did not seem to be many people that were able to do that.  The mass of people on the dance floor moved and danced with a chaotic passion, some better than others, but all for the same reason.  (The addition of the LED hula-hoopers was a great touch I might add, and I certainly hope that the powers that be think the same thing.)  The band took us on a journey that was narrated by flowing guitar riffs, amazing drumming, throbbing bass and keyboard work that is in a league of its own.  We got to hear the great songs like “Eyes Have Eyes” and “ Night Colors”, as well as “Method of Control,” during which I found myself and an unnamed friend screaming the lyrics at the top of our lungs.  There are no worries when you are at these shows.  You c an act a fool, dance like a crazy person, and sing as loud as you want, and not one single person is going to judge you for it.  There is a beautiful carelessness associated with electronica music, and Papadosio allows their fans to perpetuate these feelings to the fullest.

Richmond was truly a part of something special on this night.  Personally, I think that this is just the beginning of something big.  Both the Silo Effect and Papadosio are on top of their respective games right now, and although the bands are at different points in their development, there is no doubt that each is going to be around for a long time.  The Silo Effect’s popularity is growing by the show, and although they sound amazing each time I see them, I have to give them credit for somehow finding a way to improve each time they step onstage.  Papadosio is already gaining attention all over the country.  They are touring all the time, and the word is getting out there that if you miss them while they are in your town, you are doing yourself a terrible disservice.  For me, I fully expect to look back on this night and think to myself, “I remember when they played in front of only 800 people in Richmond, and look at them now."

Papadosio.com

MySpace.com/Papadosio

By Director and Correspondent: Brandon Samuel

Brandon is a native of the Richmond area, having lived here for the past 15 years.  He attended Longwood University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.  Brandon’s dream has always been to get into the music industry, and he decided that his love for writing and music would be the perfect foot in the door.  Brandon enjoys going to as many show as possible and has a strong desire to see local bands succeed.  Seeing both local and mainstream bands is the best way to truly enjoy their music, and Brandon wants to bring the whole experience of seeing a live show to the loyal readers of Magazine33.

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