The Skinny: The Two Funerals is an unsigned three-piece band from Blacksburg, VA. The members are Abby on bass and vocals, Dominique behind the drums and providing backing vocals with Shannon on guitar and vocals. TTF claims influences from such acts as Sleater-Kinney and Bikini Kill.

The Place: The Brodello at Blacksburg, VA

The Review: The Two Funerals know how to rock a crowd. That was my initial reaction as I watched the four piece play about halfway into their first song. The energy and stage presence locked up into this outfit exploded in a series of wailing guitars, screaming vocals, and socially relevant lyrics. Apparently, this was the first gig that they debuted as a four-piece. A guy, who only was known as Peebles, was playing with the outfit on guitar this night. Although he did look a little out of place amongst three talented and attractive girls, he more than held his own.

As far as the actual music is concerned, the band also knows how to kick ass. Some of the tunes were…well…downright groovy. The grooves and the licks seemed to flow around the crowded, hot basement until everyone was jumping, moshing, or just grooving along with the quality music. A really good moment that exemplifies the infectious riffs and then screaming guitars was when the band went into their song AWOL. This little number had the crowd clapping in unison, swaying around to the music, and finally jumping around frantically during the song’s climax. TTF also validated their talent about midway in the set when all the members switched instruments and continued their set without missing a proverbial beat.

I highly recommend you catch this band when they come through. The music is really good, infectious, and groovy, which is more than enough recommendation for you to buy the album (which I did shortly after this gig.) However, this band knows how to use their music and socially thoughtful lyrics to really rock a show. This particular gig had four different sects of people crammed into a tiny basement. You had the moshers, the jumpers, the dancers in the corner, and at last were the people along the wall just watching the band and rocking out in their own little world. Everyone in the room had a good time, and you will too if you catch this band at a gig near you.