Black Girls

Last time through town, the Richmond, Va. band Black Girls opened for indie folksters the Head and the Heart, which was enough to create a buzz for the show. Pre-show I had read about how the band gives off a sexual aura, which was manifested through vocalist Drew Gillihan's performance. It was as if Marvin Gaye was fronting Surfer Blood or a similar, soulful indie rock band. Playing many songs name checking southern states ("South Carolina," "Florida"), Black Girls wore their heritage in the form of their sweat-drenched rock. Occasionally, dancy songs with lyrics about dancing would pop up, channeling Modest Mouse with more groove-based synth and bass parts.
The quintet had a certain seediness musically, properly summed up by a quote from vocalist Gillihan that they were "southern for groovy." Midway through the set, drummer Stephen Farris broke his snare drum, leading the venue owner to lend him a snare that was adorning the top of the stage. The cool thing about Black Girls is that they could quite easily live a double life. With enough chops to make a killing as a classic-rock band, the group instead chooses to hit the indie-rock circuit with surf-glam reverberations.
The Heavy Anchor, with its aquatically-themed art and dive-bar atmosphere, was the perfect host to such a gathering of musicians. The stylistic contrast between Demon Lover and Scarlet Tanager didn't ruffle the feathers of either bands' draw, instead properly introducing one set of fans to the other. Black Girl's willingness to keep the dance floor hot and bring the south to the Midwest really made the night a whirlwind of genre changes. - KDHX.org

Black Girls was returning to their home state of Virginia after a brief tour of the midwest featuring a festival slot at Smoky Hill River Festival. They were each very nice to myself and others in the crowd as we chatted about music, beer and other fun topics.

They each had a great time making the most of the cramped stage make shift stage area. I really was enjoying myself and the free music, free beer and atmosphere that Vintage Vinyl provides for music fans.

The five piece band featuring : Drew on vocals, Jeff on bass, Stephen on drums, Fletcher on rhythm guitar, and Mike on lead guitar tore up the stage and brought over more people than when they started to watch their set.

I give this band my endorsement of someone to watch in the next few years, they sounded great live, were fun to watch perform and were great people in general. I wish them all much success and plan to be in attendance at the next St. Louis show they book.

- Concert Confessions

Broadway (feat. No BS! Brass Band) – Black Girls
Black Girls are neither black nor girls, but they are friends of friends in Virginia, and they opened some shows for The Head and the Heart earlier this year. This song is swaggery and impudent like a nineteen-year-old, and a ton of fun with that brass band and ragtimey piano. - I Am Fuel, You Are Friends

Black Girls intertwines a heavy creep factor with strangely uplifting, funky rock jams. Their band symbol is a disgusting set of bright red lips with a half-smoked cigarette jutting forward. The album cover is a hooded, surfing skeleton. At their live shows, an above-average-height bassist often stands front and center, dancing and swaying back and forth, not singing at all, the whole time unapologetically displaying an exceptionally downward-protruding frown. Almost everything about Black Girls (the name included) screams “WE’RE WEIRD, THANKS FOR NOTICING.” But it doesn’t seem like an act. In fact, they seem quite genuine. This is just who they are, and yeah, they’re a little, maybe a lot, weird. In combination with their talent, charisma and unique sound, that weirdness quickly translates into compelling and fun.
Maybe that’s because the lead singer is a talented vocalist, with a huge range of styles in his arsenal, which he adeptly uses to incorporate playful vocal elements into both their studio and live sounds. He’s a natural performer on stage, bouncing between singing and synth, constantly using a witty line or or odd facial expression to connect with the audience. The rest of the band seems to be enjoying themselves just as much, and that energy quickly rubs off on the audience.
Black Girls’ unpredictable style also keeps their live shows and studio work fresh. Hell Dragon, released this year on the Richmond, VA-based Worthless Junk Records label, bounces from style to style. Among others, you’ll hear funk, soul, blues, and electronic. And then there’s the random broadway, gospel, and 60’s pop strewn throughout. Black Girls calls this mix of influences and styles “snuff rock,” or, psychedelic southern soul. Or, here’s more Black Girls as described by Black Girls: “On tape, it sounds like Freddie Mercury was raised by swamp people. Onstage, it sounds like Dick Dale playing at the Apollo.” Sure, let’s go with that.
I stumbled across Black Girls in their hometown, Richmond, VA, during a brief tour with The Head and the Heart earlier this year. At first this seemed like an unnatural pairing; the Head and the Heart is so wholesome, approachable…easy to understand. Their lyrics are, if not straightforward, at least clear muses about life’s journey, and they’re not all over the place stylistically. Black Girls are not nearly as straightforward. But whatever their differences, these two bands both play music with the type of intensity and passion that somehow retains its lightness and accessibility. And each has an incredible stage presence and ability to captivate and connect with the audience. At various points the bands even played together, and the show worked well.
Before Hell Dragon, Black Girls released a self-titled album in January 2011 and then a 7” in July, featuring No BS! Brass Band, a local Richmond ensemble founded by Reggie Pace, currently on tour with Bon Iver. For the next few months Black Girls is sticking to shows in Richmond, playing for their incredibly loyal, quickly growing local fan base. They’ve barely been around a year, and if there’s one thing that’s for sure, Richmonders love this band. If this local love-at-first-listen is any indication of how they’ll be received by a larger audience, I think we all have something to look forward to. - http://www.indieball.com/

I've heard so many opening band horror stories that every time I go to a concert now, I feel exceptionally lucky to see a good opener (I've never seen a bad opener to this day but the seed has been planted). During their current US tour, Seattle's The Head and the Heart brought alongside fellow Seattle-dwellers Drew Grow & The Pastors' Wives and the much appreciated and spectacularly brilliant Black Girls from Richmond, Virginia.

Black Girls are actually friends with THATH's drummer Tyler Williams and that's how they got the gig. Nothing wrong with that as it turns out to be pretty fortuitous match made in tour heaven. Beginning as an kind of experimental duo between guitarist/vocalist Drew and drummer Stephen before expanding into a full-fledged rock band. Black Girls actually released their debut album Hell Dragon just before they embarked on tour. Black Girls are what more opening bands should be: energetic, focused, and fun. Their tunes find a pretty perfect balance between rabble-rousing Southern rock fusion of Blues, Jazz, and Soul in decidedly impressive parts as well as some elements of balls to the wall psychedelic pop with sultry, simmering rock licks. The result is an album and live show that's the very definition of fun. Head-bobbers, knee-slappers, foot-stompers, the whole nine yards - you'll find this and more in Black Girls. Yet despite their party-rock edge, their songs display an appropriate amount of talent from each of the band's five members. A truly great band that's effortlessly charismatic and abundantly talented, a surefire favorite bound to instantaneously win you over. - All Around Sound

So last Wednesday’s show at the National was quite the hootenanny. I already wrote about how much I enjoyed the outstanding headlining act, the Head and the Heart, but I have to say a few words about the fine work done by Black Girls in their opening set. There’s nothing like catching one of your favorite bands on the perfect night. Homecoming shows are always special, but this was the RVA group’s first stop in town after their most packed string of dates yet, having spent March on a trans-American/Canadian tour with the above mentioned, Seattle-based headliner. The atmosphere on Wednesday was appropriately celebratory, and Black Girls’ music fed off the welcome-home-y energy throughout, sounding equal parts powerful and joyful. And it wasn’t just who started off the evening but what as well, given that having “South Carolina” at the very top of a setlist is akin to waking up in the morning and immediately downing one of those giant Red Bulls that only truckers and people who sell Red Bull to truckers drink. From these first few moments until the closing notes of “Broadway,” the band channeled all the energy in the room into what may have been the best performance I’ve seen them give. You often hear about how busy concert schedules like the one they had in March render a band tighter or more polished, and this is undoubtedly the case for Black Girls, as well. But two of the band’s greatest strengths are a loose, confident swagger and a willingness to take chances, and the road seems to have, somewhat paradoxically, nurtured these qualities as well. As precise as each member’s performance was, it seemed like I was also hearing some additional layers and stylistic flourishes that I hadn’t before. Gillihan’s vocal improvisation was as far-reaching and captivating as I’d ever heard it, and the use of synth felt bolder and more emphatic than I remembered, shining a light on an aspect of their recently released album Hell Dragon that I absolutely loved. As a side note, this post doubles as an official, 5-alarm, all-hands-on-deck Merch Alert. I snagged the above pictured t-shirt just a few minutes after they concluded “Broadway,” and I was not the only one clamoring for one. I suggest grabbing yours at the earliest opportunity, as they appear to be too fly to last long. And even though iTunes technically has an infinite number of Hell Dragon downloads left in stock, I encourage springing into action on that front as well, given how great the album is. Get a taste of the #snuffrock awaiting therein by previewing “Broadway” and “St. Simons” below. - You Hear That World Press

In my forever running quest for music I love, I started blogging. As a result I started visiting others music related blogs as both a way of trying to discover music, but also a way of learning what people are blogging about and to get ideas for my blog. In my adventures to foreign blogs I have discovered lot of great blogs and tons of different music. One band in particular that has been in heavy rotation is a band called the Black Girls.

The Black Girls are a cool blend of indie rock, soul and funk. I saw one blog refer to them as snuff rock. I have no idea what that means, but whatever you call them, they are good. These guys hail from Richmond, VA and are signed to a label called Worthless Junk Records. I actually discovered them after first seeing a fellow blogger reviewing a split 45 from Worthless Junk label mates the White Laces and a Philadelphia band called the Arches. As a result I ended up ordering the 45 myself. When I received my package I was surprised to also find a copy of the Black Girls eponymous first album. I ripped it to Mp3 and fell in love. Since then the Black Girls have release there second album called Hell Dragon. I have been streaming it pretty religiously via Spotify. As soon as I can afford to I’ll be buying it on vinyl!

Black Girls are currently on tour with The Head and the Heart. They are scheduled to be here in Portland, ME, Friday, March 17th (tomorrow). I wish I could go, but will sadly be working. Give a listen below to the first four tracks of the latest album. The first track features the No BS! Brass Band (side project of Bon Iver horn man, Reggie Pace). If you like it go buy it!! - KidaJoe

In my forever running quest for music I love, I started blogging. As a result I started visiting others music related blogs as both a way of trying to discover music, but also a way of learning what people are blogging about and to get ideas for my blog. In my adventures to foreign blogs I have discovered lot of great blogs and tons of different music. One band in particular that has been in heavy rotation is a band called the Black Girls.

The Black Girls are a cool blend of indie rock, soul and funk. I saw one blog refer to them as snuff rock. I have no idea what that means, but whatever you call them, they are good. These guys hail from Richmond, VA and are signed to a label called Worthless Junk Records. I actually discovered them after first seeing a fellow blogger reviewing a split 45 from Worthless Junk label mates the White Laces and a Philadelphia band called the Arches. As a result I ended up ordering the 45 myself. When I received my package I was surprised to also find a copy of the Black Girls eponymous first album. I ripped it to Mp3 and fell in love. Since then the Black Girls have release there second album called Hell Dragon. I have been streaming it pretty religiously via Spotify. As soon as I can afford to I’ll be buying it on vinyl!

Black Girls are currently on tour with The Head and the Heart. They are scheduled to be here in Portland, ME, Friday, March 17th (tomorrow). I wish I could go, but will sadly be working. Give a listen below to the first four tracks of the latest album. The first track features the No BS! Brass Band (side project of Bon Iver horn man, Reggie Pace). If you like it go buy it!! - KidaJoe

he show was opened by a Richmond based band called Black Girls. From their opening note, they had the sell-out crowd rocking! With stellar vocals, awsesome guitar and keyboard work, and anchored by a dynamic rythmn section, these guys were the perfect opening act! On the second to last song called "Get-Off", the other acts came on-stage and provided addition rythmn and vocals to send the sell-out crowd into a frenzy! Their album called "Hells Dragon" is a definite jem. I would see this group live anytime!
The second group called Drew Grow and the Pastors Wives were great musicans but lacked the raw power the Black Girls provided.
The Head and the Heart were headliners and did not dissapoint! This is by far the best band no one ever heard of! Slick four part harmonies, stellar keyboard and guitar work and backed by the best drummer you have seen in a long time! They had the crowd singing from start to finish. Go check these guys out when ever you get a chance! - Ticketmaster

I pretty much knew Black Girls were neither of the things their name stated even before I saw them open for The Head and The Heart the last two nights- band names are easy like that, kids. What I wasn’t expecting, though, was that they played extremely catchy, swagger filled rock & roll, sprinkling in some soul and southern rock vibes to go along with copious amounts of grooves worthy of strutting around to. It’s Friday, I’m running on empty and as a result I’m completely incapable of making a decision, so you get two songs for your dance party today instead of just one. Go ahead, dance it out to ‘South Carolina’ and ‘Broadway.’

Black Girls released their debut full length Hell Dragon earlier this year. It’s real good. Enjoy. - Songs For The Day

Some concert nights go smoother than others and the one on Wednesday at Latulippe is one sweet example. The Head and The Heart, Drew Grow And The Pastors Wives and Black Girls were all stopping by Montreal and made a point of delighthing the hundreds of fans present.

The show began in the lightest atmosphere with the indie-pop act Black Girls. The band undertook the task of warming up the venue with some dance-rock inflicted songs and Queen-esque arrangements. Effervescent as they were, the band even seemed to have caused a little ‘party’ on stage which in turn had a contagious effect on the crowd. - Indecent Exposure.net

Opening act Black Girls were on first, their show a dichotomy of their Urban Outfitters meets LL Bean chic lead singer beatifically hitting improbable notes without seeming to break much of a sweat beside bassist Jeff Knight, who’s blowing long hair and rock-god posturing were right at home in the jammed out collection of 80’s glam rock driven tunes. The perfect opening act, they warmed up the crowd like savvy hype-men, leaving them sweaty and ready for more. - The Highly Acclaimed

Opening act Black Girls were on first, their show a dichotomy of their Urban Outfitters meets LL Bean chic lead singer beatifically hitting improbable notes without seeming to break much of a sweat beside bassist Jeff Knight, who’s blowing long hair and rock-god posturing were right at home in the jammed out collection of 80’s glam rock driven tunes. The perfect opening act, they warmed up the crowd like savvy hype-men, leaving them sweaty and ready for more. - The Highly Acclaimed

if you were lucky enough to snag a ticket early, then you will have the pleasure of attending this Friday’s show at the 40 Watt: The Head and the Heart, Drew Grow & the Pastors’ Wives, and Black Girls. The Richmond, Virginia band Black Girls has taken the world by storm, well, maybe not the world, but they are definitely shaking things up on the east coast. Their road to success has been much quicker than any of the bandmates had expected. It has been a little over a year since Black Girls formed, and they have already had the privilege of opening for bands such as Wavves, Best Coast, Soft Landing (a side project by several of Beirut’s members), Fucked Up, and Girl Talk. If that wasn’t good enough, last year Black Girls was voted best rock band by Style Weekly in Richmond. Their first full-length album Hell Dragon is as delightful as it is addictive. The genre of Black Girls is hard to pinpoint. Luckily they have made our lives easier by creating their own genre: Snuff Rock. If you are looking for a a sing-a-long album, a band that doesn’t sound like every other band, or you just really like tobacco and think their coined term Snuff Rock is funny then this is your band. You should probably give Hell Dragon a listen, pray that one of your friends gets sick and must give up their tickets (inform me first if this is the case), and keep your eyes peeled for their next show in Athens. All in all, Black Girls are some of the coolest and funniest people I have ever met (I went to high school with two of them, jealous?), they are not black, they are not girls, and Black Girls, they’re going places.

Genre: glam, surf, pop, psychedelic southern soul - Music Directors

I did something last night I have not done in a very long time. I stood front and nearly center of the stage. I had forgotten the rewards one reaps when you forgo laziness and the want of a chair and in this case the accompaniment of a beer (lots of underagers so no drinking on the floor). I knew that standing there for five hours would be worth it when it came to The Head & The Heart. What I did not know is that five hours would seem like five minutes because someone sent a memo to the opening acts saying "You better bring it" and they were all like, "Oh its been brough-TEN". The whole night was a smorgasbord of awesome.

Black Girls, consisting of five lily white dudes, are made out of quirk and fun. There were a few moments of the crowd looking around at one another like, "What the what?". I mean when you've got that much falsetto going on with some pretty campy face pulling and a bass player clownin like Mick Jagger...it might take you a minute to adjust. After some raised eyebrows and questions of mescaline usage, my friend Suzanne very wisely said "I think we just have to get on their level". Agreed. I lost my fear that my laughing and giggling would be perceived as though I was laughing AT them and realized that their purpose was in making me smile. These fellas will be back. They will headline. Mark my words. - AM Noon PM

It has been years since I was last at a show in Richmond. I was reluctant to go to see another show when I was invited by my friend Veronica. I had an idea of the type of band, a lackluster crowd save maybe one guy. It seemed too heartbreaking. It was like the Richmond show scene was an abusive spouse that you hoped would change but never did as long as you kept in touch. I remember asking who was playing.

“Black Girls!” was the response from Veronica. I ultimately wanted to spend the night with Veronica and I like the feel of Balliceaux. I didn’t even give myself a chance to hope for a good show. We showed up early and grabbed drinks. We chatted for a bit while looking at the small stage at Balliceaux. It didn’t seem like enough room for any band to play. The crowd filled in. An odd assortment from various Richmond sub groups. There were your usual VCU/inner city Richmonders. Framed glasses, cardigans, flannels, and pieces that aren’t yet “trending”. Then there was the older crowd, still in the booths and wanting to be in a hip spot but too old to care if they look like they should. Then you had the west end crowd. The younger west end crowd. Backwards hats, dresses, north face fleece, pearls, sipping on premium beer and mixed drinks as opposed to PBR. All in all, I was impressed with the crowd that was congregated.

Black Girls took the stage about midnight. The crowd’s excited anticipation was infectious. The cheers, the shouts, and the claps as the band hit the stage are not the crowd I remember. The band kissed girlfriends or groupies, took to their instruments, greeted the crowd of fans, and started their set. The sounds that reached out of amplifiers and microphones was bright, melodic, and intoxicating. It has elements of so many genres I enjoy. There is the bright reverb of surf, the vocal harmonization of 1970’s glam rock, and the keyboards of new age. The music gave me this stupid happy feeling. I had some idiotic grin on face as I was transfixed for awhile. Veronica with hips swaying put her arm around me and we started to dance. Dancing to the music and smiling at the sound. I would occasionally look around, and see others dancing with friends, loved ones, or in a group. Those who despise showing affection were bobbing and swaying with drink and smile. I have never seen a crowd from such different background enjoy a show like this, in Richmond. They went through the set and then continued to do encore songs on request. I admire what they are accomplishing in Richmond. It seems all bands who are born here, die here. They are going on tour with The Head and Heart in a few months. I will be seeing them as much as I can before they leave. If for nothing else, I am thankful to Black Girls for restoring my faith in Richmond shows. I am left to wonder what else is out there now.

Here is a link to Black Girls band camp and their website. I highly suggest giving them a listen. - We Are Wide Eyes

The glam, psychedelic dance rock of Richmond’s Black Girls is one of the best things to come out of the local music scene these days. And in their short time playing together (a little over a year), they’ve become somewhat of an overnight sensation. After snagging a spot on last year’s RVA Music Fest, legions of fans began swarming to the group’s fun, soul filled dance songs.
I first saw Black Girls at Balliceaux a while back and the second I hear them play, I knew there was something different about them. Every song seemed to be carefully crafted, yet still managed to have to off-the-cuff feeling to it. They wanted to let loose and have a good time but fine tuned it into something even more enjoyable. I’ve since made it a point to check out a Black Girls show every chance I get. And every time, it’s never a dull moment.
To classify the group as one type of music would do it a disservice. They take many elements from funk, soul, glam rock and jam band rock and mix it into a style that is all their own. The group plays at venues like the Camel and Balliceaux frequently and always manage to pack the house. It is physically impossible to sit still during a Black Girls show. You will be up and dancing or for those who don’t dance, you’ll be furiously bobbing your head.
This winter saw the release of Black Girls’ first full length “Hell Dragon,” and honestly, I have not been able to put it down. If you have any sense of what good music is (and you’ve continued to read this far), buy the album here: blackgirls.bandcamp.com.
Black Girls have shared stages with bands such as F**ked Up, Wavves, Girl Talk, Best Coast, Soft Landing, Wild Nothing and Fang Island and in March, the group heads out on tour opening for indie rockers The Head and the Heart. And yes, Richmond is a stop on that tour.
After a packed house for the CD release of “Hell Dragon,” Black Girls party again with a vinyl release show at Kingdom on Friday, Feb. 24 along with No BS Brass Band, White Laces and the Trillions.
This will probably be the last time* you’ll be able to see the band in a smaller venue, because once the rest of the world hears about Black Girls, they’re only going to get bigger.
*You can also catch them at the Camel on Friday, March 2 before they head out on tour. So, really there’s no excuse! - River City Rapids

Aptly titled, the second full-length from local band Black Girls is a fiery, basement-blues-breathing, glitter-spittin' beast of glam pop that's poised to incinerate the ennui of indie music. Golden-throated frontman Drew Gillihan and his scrumptious band of lookers whip out joyous anthems that embrace everything from ragged Southern rock and low-country stompers to bedazzled nuggets of pop perfection that show off the band's wicked virtuosity. Minus a few gallons of sweat, the album manages to capture the vibe of the group's combustible, live shows that never fail to pack a room. A handful of opening dates (including a stop at the National on March 23) with the acclaimed jangle rockers, the Head and the Heart, will expedite the inevitable ascent of the Girls to wider audiences. All of this smack-your-granny goodness won't stay local for long.

— Hilary Langford - Style Weekly

I should have my head examined. For New Year's Eve, I booked a free show for local pop sensations Black Girls to play at Balliceaux.

That was a bad idea — a really, really bad idea.

By the scheduled 10 p.m. show time, a crowd of more than 200 had gathered outside, not to mention the 150-plus already inside the building. Every time I walked outside, more people kept arriving in droves, and it was my unenviable task to try to accommodate the ever-increasing demand within the ever-decreasing confines of the restaurant.

And everybody hated me: the overworked staff, the anxious people waiting to get inside, the evening's annoyed diners getting swarmed by the teeming masses rolling in; they were all unified in their irritation with yours truly. Mercifully, we were able to get most of the crowd inside and the show rolling about 20 minutes before midnight.

That's a good thing, too. If we hadn't, I have no doubt that we would have had a riot on our hands.

In my 30-plus years seeing live music, I have never seen a band with more commercial potential than Black Girls. And it is a natural charisma they possess. It isn't calculated or contrived in any way. On stage, they have that rare ability to endear themselves to just about anybody without even trying. The casual ease with which I've seen them seduce many a crowd is that elusive "it" that defines star power. Either you have it or you don't — and Black Girls most definitely have "it."

All of this charisma would be for naught if they didn't have the songs to back it up. On "Hell Dragon," their second full-length release for local label Worthless Junk Records, the band has captured what it does best — write instantly memorable tunes. A combination of Motown soul and classic pop, Black Girls' angst-free melodies are emboldened with a swaggering, low-simmering sensuality that recalls Prince, Modest Mouse, Pavement and "Chocolate and Cheese"-era Ween while retaining their own distinctive, libidinous voice. The corporeal looseness of their compositions inveigles the listener through persuasive seduction. It is sexual music without ever being lewd, heavy-handed or grotesquely needy. Confident but never conceited, Black Girls are always in the mood to help you slip into something more comfortable.

Starting off with the festive singalong "Broadway," "Hell Dragon" is all about a good time. Lead singer Drew Gillihan is the group's master of ceremonies. Slyly coaxing, toying and enticing with his luscious falsetto outbursts and the buoyancy of his mischievous delivery, he comes off like a young, less self-aware David Bowie during his Thin White Duke phase.

Combined with guitarist Fletcher Babb and drummer Stephen Farris' vocal harmonies, the trio embeds the soulful "South Carolina," the bouncy break-up anthem "So Sorry" and the hit just waiting to happen, "Get Off," with a vigorous joviality that is the group's enduring strength. Lead guitarist, organist and multi-instrumentalist Michael Bryant flexes much of the musical muscle that makes the tunes instantaneously captivating, providing tasty embellishments and concise melodic lines to drive their messages home. Bassist Jeffrey Knight, the band's bouncy on-stage soul, provides the backbone for the band's free-floating brand of soul.

As perfect as any pop record I've heard in the last 20 years, "Hell Dragon" demands and deserves to be heard by a wider audience. Though they are virtually unknown outside the capital city (for now at least), Black Girls are a band of unlimited appeal and I strongly suggest you acquaint yourself with their irresistible charms at your soonest convenience.

They are simply undeniable.
- Richmond Times-Dispatch

Black Girls (Richmond, VA) are on tour this Winter to support their album dropping on Chri?mas entitled Hell Dragon. Their previous release was great, and you have a couple opportunities to see this amazing psychedelic-surf rock band take the ?age.

January 5th they are playing the Village Tavern in Charle?on, SC. January 6th they're playing they're playing Caledonia Lounge in Athens, GA.

You can li?en to tracks from their ?r? album, a collection of demos, on their bandcamp. Their new album will also be available on bandcamp come Chri?mas…but you can li?en to a sneak peek track
- Stereofly Collective

...Black Girls were a personal favorite at stage 2. The whole set was lit up by the dancing and singing of the whole band. With soul-infused rhythm, Black Girls provided just enough to get the tense crowd moving with lyrics that were catchy and clever.... - Quail Bell Magazine

It’s easy to forget how close Charlottesville is to Richmond. My sights were always directed towards DC or Norfolk when it came to traveling for shows. This was my first experience venturing to the home of UVA to catch a show worthy of the cities that surround it. With the promise of seeing local champions Black Girls open for the co-headlining tour of Waaves and Fucked Up, it was the perfect opportunity.

Before I get into the gritty details of the night, I should mention that Charlottesville has something going for it. The Jefferson Theater is a great spot with a unique aesthetic and a penchant for inviting Richmond artists to join their bills. I hope this trend continues, and I look forward to seeing more shows there in the coming months. I’m thinking about seeing St. Vincent there in October already.
As I arrived to the theater, Black Girls were finishing up their set. I caught the final touches of “Broadway,” and one number that I didn’t recognize. What hasn’t been said about Black Girls? They have earned a tremendous level of devotion from their hometown. as well as encouraging the naysaying of your everyday detractor. They have somehow accomplished the impossible in Richmond--they play out more than any band I can think of, yet still bring out legions of fans and musical peers. There seems to be no stopping them, and their addition to this bill was a nice gesture. Any worries about how they would fit on a bill like this were immediately quashed, as a loud burst of applause greeted the band as they finished their set. A friend that I rode with to the show mentioned to me that she had never heard Black Girls before. The song and a half we caught acted as her introduction. She was enamored by the conviction of Drew Gillihan’s voice against the backdrop of the group’s self-declared "snuff rock" jams. This is the true beauty of the band--despite everything they have already accomplished in their short lifespan, they still attract new interest in the most abrupt and sudden ways. Black Girls represented Richmond wonderfully, and I look forward to their presence on out of town shows in Central Virginia and beyond. - RVA Magazine

Black Girls from Richmond are versatile and funky. Sometimes they channel the creepy-yet-beautiful vibes of indie masters like Modest Mouse (“Devil Out There”) and others they sound like a soulful Sly and the Family Stone mixed with modern funk like Maroon 5 (“Get Off”). Whichever way they come, they bring an incredible stage presence and jammed out with the audience! - Bushwick Daily

Gregg Gillis said it best. Near the end of his set, the most high-profile performer of the night pointed out*, while standing atop his Panasonic Toughbook’s necessarily sturdy table, that he’s been to tons of festivals, but it was special to see so much of Richmond in the inaugural RVA Music Fest. RVA Magazine did a truly great job organizing, as Sunday was an outstanding snapshot of some of Richmond’s best musicians, and I felt really lucky to be there. One of the bands that reinforced that feeling most was Black Girls. I think everyone’s experienced this moment — you’re at a show, and a performance so totally and completely fills the space around you that the room/theater/amphitheater you’re in feels tiny in comparison to the size of the moment you’re in. Black Girls set up shop in exactly that type of moment on Sunday, giving an amazing show that preceded Stage Two’s headlining act, No BS! Brass Band. In a chaotic festival setting, where people had only moments ago been milling around, snagging (delicious) tacos from Nate’s Taco Truck, Black Girls seemed totally in control, belting out danceable, falsetto-fueled rock and soul songs with a captivating swagger that emanated from every corner of the band. Plus, I got my wish and members of No BS! joined them onstage for closing song “Broadway,” a tune that joyously melds the two bands’ upbeat personalities. Check out the studio version of their collaboration below, pick up Black Girls’ self-titled album here, and the vinyl-inclined can grab the two bands’ split 7? here. - You Hear That?

A fixture at house parties and local venues since 2010, local glam outfit Black Girls has gained notoriety over the past few months, earning them a spot on the bill at the inaugural RVA Music Festival.
Though the name Black Girls may be misleading (all five members of Black Girls are Caucasian males), no one who has seen them perform would question the group’s funk influences or the soulfulness of the four vocalists.
“We’ve played a lot of shows,” Fletcher Babb, Black Girls’ multipurpose guitarist and vocalist, said. “But we just started playing some festivals this summer. This is probably going to be our biggest exposure yet.”
Without a doubt, Black Girls is ascending the ranks of relevant Richmond bands. After all, their July gig at The National is a far cry from the typical night at Strange Matter or Balliceaux.
“I feel like we really started to pick up momentum after we were named Best Rock Band in Richmond by Style Weekly this past summer,” Jeff Knight, Black Girls’ bassist, said. “It has been a real treat to play bigger venues.”
Further bolstering their local legend, Black Girls released a split 7-inch vinyl this past July with their Worthless Junk Records brethren, No BS! Brass Band.
The hype doesn’t start and end in the 804 though; the boys of Black Girls, all of whom are current or former VCU students, already have September shows booked in D.C. and New York City, and aspire to take their surf style overseas to tour in Europe in the near future.
Credentials aside, Black Girls’ brand of “snuff rock” just makes people want to dance, hence their house party roots.
“When people we barely know come out to our shows and really enjoy themselves – that’s all we can really ask for,” Babb said.
According to inside sources, Black Girls will be playing an unofficial show on Saturday night at an undisclosed location dubbed “The Yerb.” - Commonwealth Times

It's a freshly baked summer evening in the Fan, and a tiny park off Main Street buzzes with the din of two beloved Richmond bands discussing their upcoming collaborative release, "No BS Brass Band vs. Black Girls."

This limited edition, 7-inch record features two new versions of fan favorites and boasts a little cross-pollination as well. The ever funky, rebirth brass outfit No BS blows strong on "Ain't Even Gonna Call Ya" and on the flip side, shows off horn talents on Black Girl's glam-pop track, "Broadway." It's a sonic juggernaut poised to rock your face off and move your groove thing. But the pairing is a bit curious given the opposite styles of the musically trained No BS guys and the wacky, snuff rockers Black Girls.

Worthless Junk Records founder Bucky Lewis came up with the concept. It's a perfect fit, he says: "Both are big party bands in Richmond, so that was really the idea behind this. ... Doing something together seemed like the natural."

Music fans can attest to the irresistible energy that fills the room when these groups perform, whether at a house show or on a festival stage. "Getting a diverse fan base is what good music is all about," Black Girls singer Drew Gillihan says. "A good show is a good crowd." Drummer Stephen Farris adds: "There's a range of ages at BS shows, from young to old. Same thing happens at our shows."

For the record's cover shoot, the groups threw on gym attire and hit the basketball court at William Byrd Community House with a photographer. BS brass man Reggie Pace admits it was his idea. "It was more a visual thing," he says. "I just wanted to see us all in basketball jerseys." He adds, laughing, "I'd love to shoot a video too."

Black Girls took things a bit more seriously than their competition. "Bucky told us No BS was talking shit about beating us in basketball," Black Girls' Mike Bryant recalls. "We thought he was serious."

"So instead of getting our costumes together, we trained," Gillihan says.

Apparently it paid off. Black Girls' Farris is quick to add: "Six turnovers in two minutes. That's all I'm saying."

That's the extent of criticism you'll find when talking with the two bands. More often than not, it's a heaping pile of communal love that would make even Oprah weep.

"When you guys laid down horns on our track, our jaws hit the floor," Farris says to BS "It took an hour tops for them to hear the track and then do it just right. We are not classically trained and play by ear, so we were impressed and inspired."

Pace returns the compliment: "I like how they feel on stage," he says of Black Girls. "They've got that frontman thing going on. The drums turned sideways. It's visually entertaining,"

For now, there are no immediate plans to form an indomitable Richmond super group and record a full-length anytime soon. "It's limited now, but we'll keep the idea afloat," Gillihan says. "We'll keep people guessing." - Style Weekly

That's right folks--local sensations No BS! Brass Band and Black Girls are releasing a split 7 inch vinyl EP this week on Worthless Junk Records, and in celebration, they'll be doing not one but TWO record release shows at Balliceaux! You can expect both of these shows to be totally off the chain. Black Girls are a hot young act who've been creating a huge buzz around Richmond with their acid-damaged indie take on southern soul--think Animal Collective producing Dusty In Memphis, and you're halfway there. Meanwhile, No BS! Brass Band has been wowing audiences all over Richmond and the surrounding region for years with their high-volume, high-energy take on jazz, funk, metal, punk rock, and any other genre you might think to throw in there. It'll be interesting enough seeing the nine members of No BS! attempt to fit onto Balliceaux's tiny stage, but things promise to get even more interesting later in the evening as No BS! and Black Girls collaborate on tunes in a giant 15-person jam session. You don't want to miss this! Come out Thursday for a preview to the weekend, or start your weekend out right by showing up Friday. Or, if you're really hardcore, why not come to both?
- RVA Magazine

lack Girls where voted Style Weekly's Best Rock Band of 2011, so you can imagine how excited we where when they joined us to talk music, play some original tunes and get goofy live with the guys. We also dug up a bit about the bands history, influences and they revealed their secrets about the best place to pick up cougars in Richmond(you'll just have to listen to find out). It was easy to see why they where voted Rock Band Of The Year once they started playing and Dan spared no complements when verbally fluffing their egos. Though Manzelli is no longer with the show, in this episode we introduced Shaun to fill both his seat and his elf shoes. No new content, but we promise big things next week.
- Radio Rubber Room

Black Girls was one of 94 bands performing at this year's Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference, better known as MACRoCk. The event, in its 14th year, was held this past April 1st and 2nd in Harrisonburg, Virginia and hopes to promote and support college radio, independent artists and labels, as well as their fans. Last year's event hosted big names like Animal Collective, but this year the spotlight returned to up-and-coming Virginia bands like Black Girls.
After their performance at MACRoCk, Black Girls band members, Mike Bryant – piano and lead guitar, Fletcher – rhythm guitar and background vocals, Stephen Ferris IV – drums and background vocals, sat down with Richmond Independent Radio News to discuss their unique sound and upcoming plans. Right now, Black Girls have a CD collection of songs available for listeners and the band is in the process of recording their first EP. Although Black Girls formed two years ago, many of the band have played together since their college days.
“We put together a band of like, it was called River City Choir and it was just like whiskey drinking americana music, and it wasn’t really anything.”
“It wasn’t much. We played some backyard parties and stuff.”
“We just enjoyed each other’s company so much, we were like you know what let’s plug in the instruments and start a real band.”
“We kept going got some electric guitars and blah blah blah.”
Since those early days, Black Girls have traveled light-years musically from “whiskey drinking americana” to “snuff rock” a mix of surf, psychedelic, glam and soul. Snuff rock isn't just a sound or a tongue-in-cheek reference to substance abuse, it's a movement according to the Black Girl's record label, Worthless Junk Records. The band says its funk-infused snuff rock is influenced by T.Rex, The Dream, Sly and the Family Stone, R.Kelly as well as Steely Dan.
“Steely Dan is probably the hugest of them all, and that's not a joke.”
With a musical style all their own and a controversial name, Black Girls are getting noticed by Richmond concert-goers as well as the local press. However, the media reviews are a mixed bag. While Style Weekly named Black Girls the “The Best Band of 2011,” RVA magazine editor Andrew Nietzsche was not so kind.
“Put it on the record that RVA magazine is not supporters of Black Girls ('the editor of RVA magazine') yea, he called us hipster, racist douche bags blah blah blah the whole nine yards. Never seen the show, never heard the music. No, but we enjoy it. I think any press is good press.”
The name “Black Girls” was not chosen to stir up trouble, it is meant to coincide with the band's unique sound. While all six members of the band are white, male, self-proclaimed hipsters, their music is melodic, soulful and distinctly southern.
“We think it’s a funny thing that people come up and one of the first things they say to us after they see our music they say to us, ‘That’s not what we expected’ and that’s kind of what we go for. The music’s like a little smoother. It’s not…I dunno. It’s a different kind of thing and you would think a bunch of hipster douche-bag looking guys like us ('racist hipster douche-bags, laughs') to make music like that, and so we think the name fits.”
When Style Weekly voted Black Girls “The Best Band of 2011”, the band told Style that it owes its accelerated ascension on the local music scene to “hard work and the support from fans.”
“We play Richmond a lot. We have a good fan-base there. People are really supportive of us in Richmond”.
While the band has a number of Richmond shows scheduled for the near future, Black Girls plans to refocus its energy towards song-writing and national recognition.
“We’re going to do a Southern kind of thing this summer (in Georgia right?) Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, whatever. (And then West Virginia) Oh yea, we’re playing Camp Barefoot in West Virginia it’s a festival (a hippy festival) a hippy jam band festival which should be awesome…I guess.”
Keep an eye out for this up-and-coming Richmond band with a smooth snuff rock sound. Although their name offends some their fan-base continues to grow. So let's settle this once and for all, are the Black Girls a bunch of racist hipsters?
“Yea, obviously. Wait but, no should be in there for the edit. But, for the edit 'no.' A few seconds of silence…No.”
-Annie Brown - WRIR 97.3

Dishing out self-proclaimed “snuff rock” (like the tobacco, not the film), this surf and glam unit of white boys has experienced a meteoric rise since their inception last summer. Bassist Jeff Knight has a simple explanation: “Hard work got us here, and the support from fans.” And like snuff, Black Girls embodies a quick, fun burst of energy, so go see them before they’re banned by the feds or given a warning label. - Style Weekly; Best of Richmond 2011

When one holds onto their dreams they tend to make a bypass to hear Black Girls and The Diamond Center. I loved how last night at Gallery 5 was nowhere near the scenester. It was a bit of everybody. Right after I rode my horse into a swamped old police and fire station I could tell the welcoming was the jingle. The harassment of overkill cuties had me scratching my head for ambivalence.

I finally finally finally saw Black Girls. This band is pure power and acid dripping down my pants. Do they have a shot? They do, and virgins need to just stay away. Hello extraordinary, have you met Black Girls? Yes, everyone loves the party band or fun band. I think these monikers are not needed when talent can produce two eggs over easy. Or, lets just say that talk is just anus. These guys had 4 singing birds inside their own private F Troop. Good because I think I want to see this band again. Good looking throbbing muses are pennies unto a roof at an old Red Roof Inn. The tightness of sound is all I can think about when Black Girls come to shake the living fucking Easter out of your bi-product of a skull.

The Diamond Center are pure class. That’s all I got to say about those giants. - OneWayRicmond

Take, for instance, the Black Girls, my favorite Richmond band at the moment. They remind me of Huey Lewis fronting Pavement covering tunes by KC & The Sunshine Band, Parliament and Modest Mouse at a party thrown by Brian Wilson.
- Chris Bopst, Richmond Times Dispatch, founding member of GWAR - Richmond Times Dispatch

I find it very easy to talk about bands like Black Girls. The music does all the descriptive work…you simply play their music and your friends think you’re cool because you introduced them to another dynamite band! Super polished, smoothly textured surfish psychedelic pop that can burn up a house party or any hip music club in any city. Black Girls leave you feeling cool to be part of their sound. I love this band. Lets get the word out on them. - LoudVine

Aside from our obvious love of music, I think one of the main reasons poorly compensated music bloggers like myself (and my friends here at ATG) press on in an overcrowded marketplace, is our love of sharing music. If I could make music worth listening to, trust me, I’d be doing that; but alas I’m forced to happily share other people’s music, sometimes to the detriment of the life of the party.
Let’s face it, regurgitating tracks that were featured on Pitchfork and GvB a week prior can become a bit soul-numbing. But every once a while you happen upon something new and fresh, and relatively unexposed. It’s always gratifying to draw attention to a worthy young band, and it’s even more fulfilling when it’s the work of a friend.
Please give my buddy Fletcher Babb and his bandmates a solid listen. Hailing from the best city in Virginia, Richmond (sorry NoVA), and calling themselves Black Girls, these five guys offer a very unique sound with their newest track “Get Off”: a bluesy, laid-back garage-cut, sprinkling little specks of soul and gospel under some lazily twanging guitar, a smidgeon of fuzz, and an indie rock guise. I promise to get these fellers up to the District for a show sooner rather than later. Hopefully this tune and their MySpace page will hold you over until then. - All Things Go

Black Girls set a date for new album and introduce east coast tour.


RICHMOND, Va. (November 30, 2010) – The Richmond-based glam rock/pop sensation Black Girls announce their album, The Absolute Essential Anthology, which is set to hit the stores this Christmas as well as dates for their upcoming east coast tour.

The new 10-song album features older hits with former guitar/piano player Mike Bryant such as “Club Banging” and “Music Theory for Haters” as well as new hits like “Get Off.” The album is being mastered at Jazz Lounge Studios in Richmond, Va.

“This is going to the be the absolute essential collection of Black Girls songs, kind of a big deal” said lead singer and guitarist, Drew Gillihan last night over a slice of apple pie. “We have been working on this album for about a year and you can fully expect your world to be rocked.”

Along with the new album, Black Girls are planning an east coast tour in January to kick off the new year including stops in Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore.
The first show of the tour is on New Years Eve at Arlene’s Grocery in New York City and the last show will their official CD Release Party (richmond edition) in Richmond, Virginia on January 8.
- Commonwealth Times