I've always been a sucker for a creative band name, it's true. Many times, that's what gets me out to see a band I've never heard before. That's why I couldn't help but laugh when I was at Emilio's and someone asked me,

"What band is this?"

I answered, "They're On Point."

"Well, I mean I know they are, but what's their name?"

It was like the local-band version of "Who's on First?" except I'm not as funny as Abbot or Costello. I try though. I met Brian, Dan and Andre a while back at Cary St. Café, and as soon as they heard about Magazine33, they were excited. Unfortunately, because of my hectic schedule, I had to space out the interview, photos and live show review over the course of several months. We got everything wrapped up and they're playing with even more punch than when I first saw them back in January.

I sat down with the three members of On Point and their former bass player about 20 minutes before their show at Baja Bean. Unfortunately, they have since parted ways with their bass player Nate, and recently promised me they had someone awesome up on deck. Which, even though they were a great act to catch beforehand, makes me even more excited for their next show.

See, On Point brings a terrific energy to their set. Front man Andre Pecht has animating stage presence that motivates the crowd around him, while Brian (guitar and vocals) and Dan (percussion) exhibit a similarly exuberant complementary energy. And that was definitely evident when I caught their show at Emilio's.

They are also a very forward thinking group. They aren't content with simply playing a show here and there, but would love to collaborate with such established Richmond success's as 11^th House. I asked them their recording plans, but since they've moved to a different bassist, I'm reluctant to assume they've remained the same.

Instead, I'll tell you how packed Emilio's was when No Dice opened for them, and when the group took the stage not long after. Not only are their original songs well put together, well written and well executed, but also they play covers in the way that I'd rather listen to On Point play them, instead of listening to the originals.

Another aspect I really enjoy about the group is the range between Andre's voice and Brian's. Both are enjoyable, and the way the group staggers each singer's choice of song really helps you appreciate how talented each is. They both have differing vocal styles, that are at once distinct and memorable. When I re-listen to their songs on line, I can always tell who's singing, and I enjoy every difference.

Now, percussion is not my forte and it's constantly hard for me to critique or even discuss. However, between the three members of On Point, Dan definitely jumps out as a huge contributor. While the guitar work and voices of Andre and Brian build a memorable melody that gets people up and moving (even in 3-inch heels), Dan builds that crucial rhythm that keeps them dancing until last call.

As I said, I haven't been fortunate enough to meet the group's new bassist, but I truly hope he contributes the same energy as the existing members. If this is the truth, On Point and their local (and other) listeners have a lot to look forward too. Until their next show, check them (and their tunes) out on Myspace here: myspace.com/onpointva.

By Author: Meredith Ripple

Meredith Ripple is a recent VCU graduate living in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom. She writes for a local marketing company during the week and frequents shows at local venues in the evenings and weekends (Cary St. Café and Emilio’s most often). Her dad introduced her to music from a very young age, ranging from the Beatles to David Benoit and she’s been hooked ever since. She’s lived in Detroit, eastern Pennsylvania and Williamsburg, VA before moving to Richmond four years ago. She’ll be covering Richmond’s active and energetic jam and folk scene for Magazine33, her first journalistic endeavor.

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