In recent weeks, I’ve found myself in a deluge of CDs and new music. I’ve been meeting new bands at shows and inevitably I hear “Hold on, I think I have a copy of our newest release in my car” or “Check out our website and download some music!” During this musical inundation, there’s one band that hasn’t left my playlist since I picked up their EP in the middle of October. And that would be Caught in the Rift.

I first discovered this 6-man group accidentally (sort of) while covering Battle of the Bands at Babe’s of Carytown. I was hooked. When guitarist Doug Fisher invited me up to see their 3-set show at Cary St. Café and gave me a copy of the EP, I was addicted. When I got to the bar, this jam-rock-funk (you have to say that quickly, by the way. And three times. One, two, three, Go!) group was just starting to set up and soundcheck. I was pleased to remember not only how skilled guitarists Doug Fisher, Holt Nicholas and Scott Gerry are, but also the dual percussionists Kevin Condrey and Kevin Shaw. Plus, I love it when bands add a brass element in the mix, and Steve Tuzeneu adds that extra touch on the sax that really makes Caught in the Rift an utterly unique experience.

When I first wrote about them last month, I didn’t begin to graze the surface of what makes this band such a fun act to catch. There wasn’t much space in the Battle of the Bands article to elaborate on the “versatile and organic” melodies I credited them with. I’m incredibly excited to be able to do that just a month after I first wrote those words. One thing I love to discuss when talking to others about them is how incredibly human their music is. The lyrics are relatable and down-to earth, but you couldn’t ever call them simple. They’re accessible, and encompassing, for all walks of life. When Doug Fisher croons out “25^th street keeps callin’ my name” I believed most everyone in the venue could relate in their own unique way. There’s also a certain presence an acoustic guitar and hand-drums bring. You can feel that there’s a person on the other side of the music. It doesn’t feel like there’s an amp or effects pedal between you and the artist. There is no gatekeeper blocking you, affecting what they deliver, and what you hear. It’s just you and the music.

Their rich lyrics and dynamically layered rhythms and melodies speak to their variety of influences, from Pearl Jam and Phish to older jazz and soul. Like me, they agree that Eddie Vedder is a personal hero. (How can you not love a guy who swills white wine from the bottle on stage?) This reach of influence reflects the versatility that they impressed upon me last month, even during such a brief set. The six guys switch effortlessly from warm, softer songs where Doug Fisher’s and Holt Nicholas’ voices reach out across the room to strikingly edgy ones with sharp guitar work and gravelly, grating vocals.

It’s why one of my favorite things about this group is their style. It’s abrupt and in your face in the best way possible. Songs are lovely in composition and edgy in their execution. They’ll remind you of a time when rock music meant quality guitar and drum work and a great show. These guys go out there to have fun, and it’s easy to see. They really enjoy their music, and they genuinely want their audience to have a great time. When I asked them what feeling they want to convey with their music, I got a resounding “Fuck yeaaa!” from Scott Gerry and Kevin Condrey, which definitely turned some heads in the room. And this feeling is echoed in the types of venues they prefer. When I asked them about it, they all agreed that it didn’t matter what club or bar they played, as long as they had a “good, music-loving crowd” in front of them.

If there was only one thing I could share with you about Caught in the Rift, it would be that you have to see them to get the full experience. While their EP is phenomenal (as I said, it hasn’t left my playlist in weeks), it’s truly the live show that gets you. Incredibly dynamic and lively, Doug Fisher and Holt Nicholas’ vocals take on another life on stage. They develope an organic feeling echoed by the acoustic guitar, Steve Tuzeneu’s sax and Kevin Condrey’s hand drums. All driven home by the clean rhythms Kevin Shaw and Scott Gerry build. It’s a show you don’t want to miss. I asked them what they’d want to tell people if they were writing this article. Holt Nicholas answered it perfectly: “come out and have a great time.” And of course this was followed by “and pick up a copy of our EP!” Normally I don’t want to push merchandise in this column, but this EP is worth it.

Check them out November 5^th at Babe’s for the second round of Battle of the Bands. Or if you miss that, they’re playing at The Canal Club on December 18^th. Come out and discover them for yourselves. I’ll see you there.

While you’re waiting for their next show, check out this stuff:

Caught in the Rift on Myspace (music, music, music!!)

Their JamBase profile, complete with upcoming shows

Facebook! More pictures of shows

SnakeOil Recording, Dan-O partnered with them on their EP

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.

Comments(5):

1. caught in the rift

   thanks for the great article meredith. feel free to check us out on reverb nation as well. Thanks again!

   Sunday, November 01, 2009 Doug

2. Caught in the Rift

   Great review Meredith. The Snake Oil Recording mention is greatly appreciated as well. Please keep up the great work.

   Sunday, November 01, 2009 Dan-O

3. Caught in the Rift

   Great review! I completely agree with this sweet synopsis of a band that I could go on and on about for days! Thanks!

   Monday, November 02, 2009 K

4. Caught in the Rift

   Awesome review....awesome band....enough said!

   Tuesday, November 03, 2009 Heather

5. Caught In The Rift

   Great article, Meredith, and thanks for the mention of the 2009 Rockitz Battle of the Bands. Caught In The Rift can be seen live Thursday at Babe's for the second round of the BOB, or on video of their first round performance at www.rockitz.net See ya Thursday, ok?

   Wednesday, November 04, 2009 Paul Magill