People's Blues of Richmond at Mercury Lounge

Tim Beavers II

Guitarist Tim Beavers II and bassist Matthew Volkes were already life-long friends when, as college students in 2009 in Richmond, Virginia, they began playing music together as a way to grieve the loss of a mutual friend. This collaboration started People's Blues of Richmond (known to fans as PBR). The blues-rock trio also presently includes drummer Nekoro Williams, son of Drummie Zeb of the Wailers. People's Blues of Richmond released its third and most recent album, Quit or Die, in 2016.

Headlining at Mercury Lounge tonight as part of the venue's 25th anniversary series, People's Blues of Richmond performed dark, grungy and fuzzy blues with classic rock roots, only dirtier and grittier. The lack of polish well served the music, as Beavers' yearning blues vocals matched his muscular guitar leads and thunderous riffs. The lyrics were passionate, and the scrappy arrangements were garage-rock crude, with Beavers doing much of the heavy lifting and Williams and Zeb helping to create a big and full sonic power and intensity. Hard rock may be making a comeback in the public marketplace, and People's Blues of Richmond's mature sound is ready to blast off.