Rachel Leyco Band blows up the Bleu Bistro

Their bassist is an ancient Icelandic warrior of massive status. Their drummer? A stunt-performing climber with a penchant for Aerosmith. And the lead singer and guitarist is a Filipino goddess with a siren’s song and a heart of gold.

Actually, hyperbole aside, the Rachel Leyco Band is a great act to see live.

Made up of Rachel, John and Scott – who is actually not from Iceland at all, despite countless questions to the Web site about it – the Rachel Leyco Band has been one of Richmond’s local favorites since its debut in 2000. When Rachel was only 18, the band was named one of the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s top five musical acts in Richmond.

The Bleu Bistro drew a good weekend turnout for the band’s performance as they played pieces from their 13-track album, “Something Human,” released in May 2004. They also performed unreleased tracks such as “Come Away With Me,” which will be featured on their new album slated for the fall. The band also excited the bar with covers of lively numbers such as “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.”

It is hard to find a band that seems to truly enjoy itself like the Rachel Leyco Band. Their exciting stage presence is only outmatched by their enjoyment with doing what they do – creating music. Between sets, they were ready to have fun at the bar, relaxing and having a good time with the audience.

For more information about the band, their CD or concert dates, check out http://www.rlband.com.

Tune in to WVCW.org for the encore of an interview with the band on Docile Tones, Tuesday, August 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Rachel Leyco Band’s music is vivid with energy, and it keeps you from sitting still. It’s so hard to find a band that is actually good and holds onto really valuable messages without sounding too saccharine sweet or overwhelmingly positive. Its great tempo and pumping instruments fit well into a poppish genre without fitting the band with a label. Quite the contrary, the Rachel Leyco Band keeps its music original and uniquely theirs.

For an exciting show with great music, the Rachel Leyco Band will not disappoint.

The Bleu Bistro is a cozy restaurant and bar off Quioccasin Road near Regency Square Mall. Spacious and with an elegant d