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We can safely say that winter is behind us, and the sounds of spring and summer are finally traveling on the gentle winds. We got some dynamic jazz, danceable indie, and deep lyrical folk tunes.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Butcher Brown, Nate Smith, Plunky
Friday, March 6th
The National
After their January show got snowed out, this legendary local lineup is back in action. You can find the original write up HERE.
Fonville X Fribush
Saturday, March 7th
Révéler Experiences
We are looking at an insane jazz lineup at Reveler this weekend. Fonville X Fribush is a new group started by drummer Corey Fonville of Butcher Brown and organ player Sam Fribush. They are joined by other local players Morgan Burrs, Tennishu, and Charles Owens.
You have to understand how absolutely stacked this is.
The organ playing gives the group a very classic and vintage feel. It covers the sound in a golden and glimmering haze, while Fonville’s drumming paints deep purples and blues across the scene.
The group released an album last week, and it is making me so excited to see what else comes from this group. This is already ranking high up in my jazz rankings, and it is even crazier that it is right down the road.
Cootie Catcher, Kitty Corner, The Lampreys, Hot Spit
Monday, March 9th
Gallery 5
Toronto indie pop outfit Cootie Catcher is going to be at Gallery5 this week. The group blends a bedroom style of indie with electronics to make something bouncy and sunny. The group is all light. They’ll get you smiling, they’ll get you kicking your feet up. The Canadian group harks to the rise of the indie sound in the ’90s and early 2000s, with bright sounds that you can easily attach yourself to. They boast some really interesting and dynamic rhythms and percussion, so you’ll have no problem dancing to this lot.
I recently saw Kitty Corner again and was reminded how fantastic this group is. The quad is sharp as ever with tight songwriting and electric stage presence. I say this every time I have covered them, but I cannot wait to hear more recordings from them. This is a group that has mastered dynamics. In one song they will have the audience stone still, tears falling down the eyes of a mesmerized crowd, and the next will have the entire room dancing till the tears turn to sweat.
Next up we are looking at The Lamprays. This local group is a really fascinating mix of electronica and indie. They build off of a base of drums, guitars, vocals, the usual mix, but the electronic addition really takes it off into this new direction. It makes the music move so vividly. There is a lot happening, which gives you the chance to get really immersed in the songs.
Last up we have a solo set by Hotspit. This group has got something special. With their shoegaze/post-hardcore sound, they have become an important act in the local scene. I am interested to see how it translates as a solo act, but I have no worries. This band is consistently great with vocals, and the songs themselves are perfectly sound, so make sure to catch this unique Hotspit experience.
Drayton Farley, Jake Kohn
Friday, March 6th
Richmond Music Hall
Alabama singer-songwriter Drayton Farley is spending Friday night at Richmond Music Hall. He is coming from that deep Southern tradition of storytellers and balladiers. His lyricism speaks to the everyman, songs of isolation, class struggle, and the struggles to overcome the mundane life that has been thrust upon so many.
This style of honest and socially conscious folk music is really telling. It says so much about the undercurrents of society and the state of the country. These are songs you can hold dear.
Joining Farley is Jake Kohn of Winchester, Va. As you listen to that rich and powerful voice you will be surprised to learn that this songwriter is only 17 years old. Even if he was twice as old you would still be impressed by the writing.
Kohn has an unmatched delivery and you feel as if he is pouring every fiber of his young soul into every word. Music that defines a generation often comes from the youth of that generation. If you look at Bob Dylan, he was not much older when he wrote “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
Keep an eye out for Kohn. I see great things ahead.
New Tunes
After Aftermath by Landon Elliott
Landon Elliott is taking a new spin on some of his tracks from his 2024 record Aftermath in his new EP entitled After Aftermath. He renews the sound with acoustic, piano, and choral versions of some of the album’s top tracks.
I think you find a lot of new life in these versions. They highlight and accent parts that may not be as upfront in the original versions. The true focus is on the vocals and lyricism, which also shines under this new light.
Elliott took some really creative approaches to revamp these songs, and I think the result is a success.
Main photo of Fonville X Fribush
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