Happy May Day! Special shoutout to anyone that plays music, works in music, or likes music, and anyone who has managed to not fit in one of those categories. Got a lot of really fun shows this week with an absurd amount of local talent.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Computer Kill, TORTURETWINN
Sunday, May 3rd
The Camel
I don’t know if I have ever seen two bands on a bill more meant for each other than this. For the first half of this locket we will look at Baltimore’s Computer Kill. They are indie, they are pop, they are new wave, they are electronica, they are everything. This swirl of influence could be overwhelming but Computer Kill channels it all into a huge airy room of sound, something dark and misty that you almost want to get lost in. It is a really unique mix of sounds but it absolutely delivers.
TORTURETWINN is the perfect local for this bill (in fact the two bands will be on tour together over the previous few days). TT has this indescribable optimism and hope in all of their music. It has the bright outlook that you find in some of the poppier bands of the new wave explosion and it just makes you feel capable. This is especially great late night music, put it on when everything is either dark or neon and it should play out well.
Box Factory, Roughshod, Text Brian By Friday
Friday, May 1st
The Camel
Another glorious First Friday with Richmond’s best party band. Seriously, if you have not seen their live shows, you are missing out big time.
Every Box Factory show feels like you are in the middle of some psychedelic induced trip on a reality tv show; what that means, I do not know, but it feels accurate. The group has a really unique and energetic sound that pairs well with their free-and-loose method of tackling tunes. I count their shows as some of the most fun I have had in the Richmond city limits. If you want to see a band that feels like popping the cork off of a champagne bottle, go see Box Factory.Joining them is another local group that I absolutely adore.
Roughshod really knocked me down and carried me out with their last single, “I Could be Your Girl” and they continuously hold a special place in my heart. I also think they boast some of the strongest and most powerful vocals in town, and it really takes their indie punk sound to the stratosphere.
Last up we have Text Brian By Friday. They have a bit of a slacker rock feel to ‘em, keeping things crunchy and free. The band is made up of music scene veterans so they know how to craft a tune that gets you moving.
Valentin Prince, Chloe Ester, M. Brett Jones
Saturday, May 2nd
Gallery 5
Valentin Prince is fresh off of their 7th album in an impressive 4 years. The new record is called For Real and it is a whirlwind of psychedelia, smooth guitar playing, and gentle yet confident vocals. Valentin Prince has had strong R&B influence in the past which I think is still prevalent in this record, but they are also adding in some really interesting funky pop sounds that can be heard in tracks like “Interested.” I often categorize music in my head with colors and this record is a rainbow. It refuses to be cornered into one sound, style, or mood, and instead remains a living and breathing thing that grows like any cat, tree, or person. The whole album is great, but my standout track would probably be “Bought It Online,” a slow and relaxed piece that makes you see some new shapes and colors.
Joining Valentin is Chloe Ester, who is also fresh off a release. Her new tune “Push/Pull” is some seriously rich songwriting. It is equal parts singer songwriter and indie rock ballad. I think her sound will fit right in with fans of Together Pangea and The Breeders. It is soft but has a solid edge that won’t get chipped easily.
Last up we have M Brett Jones. Jones is cooking up some folk inspired psychedelic rock, or perhaps its psychedelic inspired folk, one to ponder for sure. He clearly has a talent for blending sounds as there is some great synth and keyboard mixed into some of his tunes. I love his very intimate and close up style of lyricism, all about the nitty and the gritty.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘Life & Times’ by King Kaiju
Life & Times is the local rapper King Kaiju’s fourth record and it is hot stuff. I think this is some of the best production in his discography, incredible samples up and down the album. Lyrically and vocally I think Kaiju is on top of his game. There’s a strong and undeniable confidence throughout the whole record and it creates a very compelling experience. There’s some familiar faces featured on a handful of tracks and I think it adds some good texture while not taking away from the atmosphere that Kaiju establishes throughout the album.
NEW RVA MUSIC VIDEOs
“Kiss the mirror” by Dylan Barrows
Main photo of Valentin Prince by Aspen DeRosa
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