Ambient rockers Grayland have some shows booked, but are still looking for a new keyboard player. Formed about a year and a half ago from the remnants of several goth/indie/shoe-gazer bands such as Celebrated Summer and Falwell’s Nightmare, Grayland has been playing regionally, gathering the attention of some noted national acts in its genre. You can catch the band live at Out of Bounds July 22. Or if you are a fan of The Smiths, The Cure, Rainer Maria or Mogwai and can work the keys, contact Grayland at www.myspace.com/graylandmusic

Richmond art-rock outfit Ki: Theory is coming out of a hiatus of sorts. After completing a tour of U.S. military bases in Asia during 2004, the band, now consisting solely of multi-instrumentalist Joel Burleson, has a record on the way and high hopes for a release in the United States and an overseas release this summer. The CD was recorded in Burleson’s home studio, Recordio, and is being mastered by John Morand at Sound of Music Studios. If you watch “CSI,” you might catch one of his songs in repeat this summer. www.kitheory.com

In the vein of Lamb of God, Separation is working hard to make its mark on the metal scene. Its latest victory was an interview on MTV2’s “Headbangers Ball” and a showing of its video for “Reciprocal.” www.myspace.com/separatedmusic

Restaurant Café Diem, in the recently revamped “Devil’s Triangle” area of the Museum District, has made a name for itself as a place where local bands can try out new material and really hone their sound in a cozy, unassuming place. Owner Richard Arthur treats music enthusiasts to frequent local shows featuring some of Richmond’s longest-standing talents, including Wrenn Mangum and his funk outfit Boneanchor, Johnny Hott (formerly of House of Freaks and a host of other national and local bands) and his Piedmont Souprize, and the DJ Williams Projekt.

There are no uptight suits or stiffs when it comes to Richmond’s country, bluegrass and rockabilly outfit Death & Taxes. The band, which features singer/guitarist Nikki Price of such Richmond punk rock bands as Wifey and Hot Little Number, recently played the Museum District’s Rock and Roll Block Party at Patterson Express. At times you can catch additional Richmond notables like indie folk-rocker Maia Banks and artist/drummer Kris Krull sitting in. Death & Taxes plays Café Diem July 5. www.myspace.com/deathandtaxesrva

— compiled by Jeff Sadler, Alyssa Holtgrewe and Jay Smack of “Studio B”