We got some loud shows and some really soft shows this week. Lots of exciting releases just around the corner, come hear em live before it’s on your phone.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Nysa, Dayfiction, Artschool, Wrong Worshippers
Friday, May 14th
The Camel
Like rain hitting the ground of a droughted land, Nysa returns to Richmond, Virginia. This Philly band sits somewhere between garage, psych, and punk, and without fail they hit town like a tornado. They rank high in energy among the hundreds of artists I’ve seen. For a quick reference on what they’re like live, the last time I saw them at The Camel, the singer was, at one point, at the bar, in the crowd, on the crowd, and outside, all while singing. This group gets people moving like no other. They are an absolute cannot-miss act. The group is putting out their newest single that day, which will be followed up by an album, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
On the topic of releases, local post-punkers Dayfiction are dropping their newest EP that same day. I had the chance to listen to it early, and I genuinely think it is some of the greatest music to come out of Richmond, Virginia. It’s really in line with all that exciting new stuff coming out of Europe, think Shame, Fontaines D.C., etc. The songs are fantastic, and they always deliver live.
My band Artschool will be in support. I usually try to avoid writing about bills I’m on, but the other bands here are just too good. We recently released our debut record. It’s a moody mix of punk and post-punk. There are moments that are real fast and loud, and others that are slow and soft.
Last up, we have Wrong Worshippers. These guys have been a staple in the scene for years now. Their live shows are always chaotic and off the wall, and their two-piece sound is surprisingly versatile. They know how to turn any show into a party, and I think this show is going to be one too.
Sluice, Hiding Places, Doreen, Mads
Sunday, May 17th
The Camel
NYC’s Sluice is fresh off their junior album Companion and headed down south. They’ve got a really great blend of folk and indie rock. It’s the kind of music that feels comforting and assuring. Listening to Sluice is like catching up with an old friend, someone you haven’t seen in far too long, and suddenly remembering their wisdom and warmth. The band’s lyricism is especially strong. It’s conversational and quaint, doing a great job of both zooming in on the smallest details and stepping back to see the bigger picture for what it is.
Hiding Places, another group from up NYC way, is also taking over RVA for the night. They’re coming from a similar vein, indie folk that holds your hand and lets you know things are going to be alright. They’re also fresh off a new album, and it’s a smooth, melodic ride. This time around they lean a bit more into indie rock, and I think it works quite well.
Now on to the local act, Doreen. She’s bringing some really intimate singer-songwriter tunes into the mix. There’s a slight Western feel to it all that gives the music a great texture. Get close to the stage for this one if you want to catch some fantastic lyrics, but even if you can’t hear every word, you’ll still enjoy the gentle river of vocals that Doreen provides.
Plunky & Oneness of Juju
Saturday, May 16th
Révéler Experiences
This is one of the cooler acts I’ve seen come through Révéler. Plunky is an absolutely world-renowned jazz musician and, luckily for us, a resident of little old RVA. He’s joined by his band, Oneness of Juju, who carved their way through the jazz and funk world of the 1970s.
The group shared stages with some of the biggest acts in the genre, with Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, and Ray Charles serving as just a few examples. Over time, the group expanded their sound into soul and reggae, but regardless of what they’re playing, the music is incredibly composed. Every tune feels like a danceable symphony you can’t stand still to. I promise you’ll be nodding, bobbing, and tapping along at the very least.
NEW RVA TUNES
“Benevolent” by Dayfiction
This is a local band that I absolutely adore. I first saw them at a house show almost two years ago and was blown away, and ever since I have been a religious supporter of Dayfiction. Lucky for people like me, they just released the lead single from their upcoming EP.
“Benevolent” is the band at their peak. The lyricism is incredible waxing poetry, sonically the band takes a position between melancholy and joy, something comfortable but still hurt, it is quite compelling. I want to just leave some lyrics here and let you decide yourself: “There ain’t much to be left now, it’s all departed to the martyrs, malevolent and weak.”
“Honeybee” by Box Factory
As Box Factory rounds the corner of half a year of first Fridays at the camel, they give us “Honeybee.” It is a little bit gentler than I was expecting but there is something really calming and endearing about it. It makes me feel like I am floating down a lazy river, spots of green vines draping above me. The band balances electronics with analogue instruments in a really seamless way that compliments both. In my eyes this is easily the best Box Factory tune yet.
Main photo of Nysa by @noia.delamor
Support RVA Magazine. Support Independent Media in Richmond.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated among corporations and the uber wealthy, RVA Magazine has remained one of Richmond’s few independent voices. Since 2005, the magazine has provided grassroots coverage of the city’s artists, musicians, and communities, documenting the culture that defines Richmond beyond the headlines.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2, one-time or recurring, helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
We’ve got merch HERE
Subscribe to the Substack HERE
And Reddit HERE
And YouTube HERE
