The Silo Effect is one of those Richmond bands that you're bound to run into at some point. Even if you're not really looking for them, they're influence and presence can't really be ignored. From stickers smacked onto the backs of road signs on monument to the ethereal melodies pumping out of venues across the city. You won't be able to get away from the tug of this progressive group.

And why on earth (or anywhere else) would you want to?

They're psychedelic, but not without structure and contrast to prevent the audience from getting too lost in a sea of melody. I could never call myself a connoisseur of electronic music, but I do appreciate the key elements that Silo Effect uses to keep their music accessible.

Don't think that the idea of being grounded or accessible means "limited." No way. But with Matt Henry's sublime style on the keys, there's a distinct possibility (which some hope for) that you'll lose yourself a little, as the songs loop in and around each other. A 45 minute set can sound like a single song with such seamless transitions, which was my first experience with the group when they played at Emilio's with Aquafuture (formerly Robert von Rhombus). They launched into their set, and there was a dizzying effect of being lifted and carried through a solid hour of music. Their transitions are seamless, and they flow with little hesitation into the next musical jump. But I did feel slightly lost (not in a bad way) as though I had missed a chunk of time somewhere in the night. I thoroughly enjoyed Emilio's and had an awesome interview with the four guys. But I couldn't help but think something in that show was missing. It was as though I was too high on the ethereal keyboard and tripping samples. And then Megan and I showed up at the Camel a few weeks ago.

Before I continue with my review, however, I want to tell you more about drummer Bryan Reyes, guitarist Matt Hughes, bassist Steve Owen and Matthew Henry and how this dynamic group is influencing the Richmond music scene. Talking to them before the Emilio's show was an incredibly enlightening experience. As I've noted before, since I'm not a musician myself, it can be incredibly difficult for me to make the best assumptions about a band's style or goals. Getting the chance to talk to these guys about what they do and why they do it was an amazing opportunity. When I asked them about the nature of their music, Brian brought up the idea that one of their biggest goals is to produce work that is anti-static. It's interchangeable and gives them room to explore. Their songwriting to loose, but unique, allowing them to maintain the flexibility necessary to adapt them into something new with each show. There's a very organic element to their electronic style. They also approach music with a very do-it-yourself attitude. For example, they're learning to run their own sound-engineering for shows, in order to have better control over their distinct style, and be prepared for anything that may come up technically.

Plus, they're strong supporters of the locavore movement (which also came up in this month's Hotdamns article). Their DIY outlook fits in well with the idea of "eat local, buy local, and listen local." Not surprisingly, Silo Effect feeds off of playing for a crowd that demonstrates a genuine and strong interest in similar ideals and, of course, their music. I'm not saying the crowd has to bring signs, but if you've ever been to a show and seen how their fans dance, you know what I mean. And it's all about reaching new people, new ears and finding new sounds and songs to switch up their set lists. It's a passionate but accessible experience that you really have to see to understand.

So Megan and I found ourselves at The Camel trying to convince the door guy that we were actually with Magazine33. Their soundcheck bled slowly into the beginning of their set. I've found that sound checks can be my favorite time of a show. It's like watching a skilled athlete warm up and stretch his legs, arms and back. It's the time when the band settles in and plays something that tries each member and makes sure they sound optimal. I've heard many bands play new music here, or something fun and to get the crowd at the bar going. We posted up at the booth that has since become our regular spot and waited for the house lights to darken and the band lights to wash the group in blue.

I was prepared for a similar experience to their first show a month earlier that I discussed above. Losing myself on the waves of music coming from the keys and guitar. I still felt as though I needed something to ground me however. The thing that was missing for me? Vocals! Steve Owen has a rich voice with just the right edge to it. Just the right sandpaper grate to complement the keys. The trippy melodies and samples soar along the finely crafted rhythmic structure while the vocals stop you dead in your tracks for a beat, and then you start dancing. I'm not saying that this group isn't phenomenal when they stick to instrumental pieces. They'll get you moving just as much. But the rich blend of melodies, rhythm and voice really works here.

They fully cemented themselves into my heart when they broke into the Ghostbusters theme. I have never seen so many people jump up simultaneously to go dance as they did when the first riff cut in. They played through an awesome jam in the middle and returned to the original melody. It's probably one of my favorite single songs played by a local artist. (On that note guys, if you have that recorded please let me know! I'd sell half my soul for that song in a file. Ok, maybe not half.) Anyway, they know how to get a crowd moving. Check out Megan's pictures if you don't buy it.

When I asked my ever important question: "What's one thing you'd want everyone to know that I haven't covered yet?" they answered: RAGE! Come out. Dance. Have a great time. Just do it. Just have fun. They're a must-see band. You can't get the full effect from listening to the live recordings they have up on their MySpace page. Luckily, they play every first Saturday at the Camel, and quite often at Emilio's and elsewhere around town. Also, stay tuned for a Check out their next show on December 5 at The Camel. Until then, check out some neat stuff I collected for you below, including music!

Silo Effect MySpace, with live recordings from Barefoot

Silo Effect Facebook

Emilio's downtown on Facebook

The Camel

Aquafuture on SlammerCentral

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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