Get the costume on, go dance around while dressed as the Lorax. Halloween always gets the city breathing, so go get lost in it.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.
Sunami, Scowl, Nuovo Testamento, Whispers, Killing Pace
Sunday, November 2nd
The National
Sunami was originally supposed to only have three shows, but they received such an insane reaction that they stuck it out. They are the sum of 40 years of American hardcore. They capture it all, sometimes rocking classic Minor Threat-style vocals, sometimes doing animalistic gutturals. They’re known for some of the craziest crowds in modern music, so if you’re heading to this show, just know you signed up for a warzone.
Co-headlining is THE Scowl. When I first moved to Richmond, I saw them play a fantastic show at Richmond Music Hall. Now they’re at The National with all the space in the world to throw elbows and skank around. I think hardcore bands can sometimes lose individualism, but Scowl retains so much identity and character. They have range, not afraid to toss in a poppy melody before slamming into a breakdown.
Nuovo Testamento is a really cool group to see on this bill. This L.A. trio is a pure dance band, citing influences of Italo-disco and synth-pop. They’re super catchy and feel like an evolution of those dancier 80s goth and new wave bands.
Next up, we’ve got Whispers, a Bangkok hardcore group. After my initial listen, I was blown away by the frantic nature of the vocals. This is a group that leaves it all out, blood, sweat, and tears on stage.
Last up, we’ve got the local group Killing Pace. Goddamn insane band. I’m surprised these guys aren’t on the same level of fame as the headliners of this show. They hit like a truck and keep going, pure gas-to-the-floor mayhem.
Deathcat, Hotspit, Bucko
Thursday, October 30th
Get Tight Lounge
First up, we’ve got Deathcat. This group has just been growing and growing over the last few years. Their immense talent as songwriters is evident through their Dreamgrl EP that came out earlier this year. They capture a really strong coming-of-age feeling that’s incredibly validating and impactful. I’ve seen them more times than I can count and always leave with a new sense of wonder.
Next up, we’re talking about Hotspit. The last few months have seen three singles released, fantastic, well-written songs that push them through the rock territory into new and unknown spaces. “Bent Trees” is a slower, more melancholy tune that haunts you a bit, leaving you wandering through caverns of emotion and longing. I’m hoping for a full-length following these singles, but in the meantime, run ’em up, they’re some damn good songs.
Last up, we have Bucko. This country-rock group is equal parts sweet ballad and insane rocker. A Bucko show has the cadence of a great house party, times when everyone’s dancing, times when the sound dies down and it gets serious and by the end, you’ve felt the fullest range you can.
John Paycheck, Drunk Mother, Will Harrison
Monday, November 3rd
The Camel
John Paycheck, son of legendary country singer Johnny Paycheck, is coming to The Camel this week. He continues the legacy of wild country storytelling with tales of outlaws, strained love, and adventure mapped out across his albums. His music captures scenes of the open road in middle America, nothing but a lowering horizon and a radio crackling old western tunes. You can hear influences like Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard, and of course, his father, in Paycheck’s sound. It particularly fits with the spirit of the cowboy supergroup, The Highwaymen.
Drunk Mother is supporting, and they are just fantastic. They bring a more dangerous yet vulnerable aspect back to country-western music. It’s raw and gritty, delivered with expert precision. They’re some real Richmond outlaws.
From what I’ve gathered, this will be the debut gig for Will Harrison, so time will reveal what new revelry Harrison is offering.
New Tunes
“Bodybuilders” by Twin Films
Local pop group Twin Films never disappoints. This week, they’ve given us “Bodybuilders“, a snappy and catchy number. The drums absolutely drive on this one, dancing on the hi-hat like it’s hot. They capture a really beautiful and sentimental feeling with the chord progression and longing vocals. This band has an unmatched ability to make everything feel cinematic — life turns into 8mm with Twin Films. It’s more than life; it’s scenes and montages flashing before yourself.
Main photo of Sunami by Trippy
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