I love the “Sounds Like” field on MySpace Music accounts. Sure, some bands either write something silly (“your mom”) or pretentious (“three chords and the truth”), but now and then you get a band that comes up with a perfectly apt description of themselves. In the case of Richmond’s own Cashmere Jungle Lords, it’s “Frank Sinatra backed by tequila-sodden cowpunks posing as a mariachi band trying to be rock n roll.” Would you believe me if I told you I couldn’t have said it better myself?

The Lords blend this myriad of genres with a fun-loving attitude, good musicianship, a wink, and a smile. Wailing rock and roll guitar solos trade off with mariachi-style horn parts, dabbling in bass-heavy, jungley surf instrumentals before delving into cool tiki-bar lounge that would make Martin Denny proud (though they forgo the fake jungle sounds, thank heavens). Vocalist Dominic Carpin seems to channel Paul McCartney at times, and at others Richard Cheese. Quite frankly, I can’t conceive of their live show as anything but a foot-stomping, hip-swinging good time.

The band has been gigging around the Richmond area and beyond for nearly three decades, and in that time they’ve played numerous festivals, won some awards, had songs featured in TV shows on MTV and NBC, and put out four releases. Now they’re gearing up for their fifth: a CD combining their first two vinyl EPs, with some additional unreleased material. They’ll be celebrating the occasion with a show at the Capitol Ale House Music Hall on May 2, supported by Rylo and The Palominos. Tickets are $7 advance and $10 at the door, but if you miss out, don’t fret; the band has several shows booked in May and throughout the summer, so you’ll have ample opportunities to hear the “Southern-fried salsa surfabilly” of Richmond’s heppest cats.

What:
Cashmere Jungle Lords
CD release party
with Rylo and
The Palominos
When:
Friday, May 2,
11 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Where:
Capital Ale House Music Hall Richmond
619 East Main St.
Tickets:
$7 advance/$10 door

Also:
featuring John “Rainbo Brite” Moore and “Jungle” Jim Kaylis with special a/v footage of the Lords in their heyday.

WEB | http://www.cashmerejunglelords.com