Nothing but crowd pleasers here. Got some big names in the scene and city all over the city this weekend, surely you’ll be at one?
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Bucko, Motocrossed, Dodomeki
Saturday, May 30
The Camel
Everyone’s favorite Richmond flavored honkey-tonk group, Bucko, is back at the Camel to round out this month. The group is fresh off a huge show at River Rock and I am sure they are itching to be back in a dimly lit steaming club, packed to the gills with all the names and faces that make up Richmond Virginia. We are only about two weeks out from the group’s sophomore record which is highly anticipated after their amazing self titled album that was released in 2024. This mix of country, western, indie, and rock really took the city by storm and I think we are going to see even big things from Bucko once this new record releases.
Hopping state lines we have Motocrossed. I think Richmond will like this group. It blends the indie rock sound that seemed to define post-covid RVA and the alternative country that is so currently prevalent all around. This is a group that is doing that sound justice, they have depth and dynamics that really help them stand out and I think will deliver a great live show.
Last up we have a group of locals, you may know ‘em, Dodomeki. They are mixing emo ethos with some real experimental instrumentals that give them a totally unique feel. This group has a lot of range but broadly if you are into heavy emotions and heartfelt playing, you should dig this lot.
Mary’s Knife, Merciful Zero, The Francines
Friday, May 29
The Camel
All star lineup here with Mary’s Knife. The group is made up of members of AVAIL, Battlemaster, and a number of other Richmond staple groups. This project is leaning towards a broader and generally more alternative rock sound as compared to the previously stated previous groups. The outfit is sitting with a few demos out on bandcamp and they are really promising. The group clearly has skill in songwriting and instrumentation and you can see hints of metal and punk flare up in these tracks. The vocals are really stellar and sell the sound as huge and anthemic.
Next up we have local act Merciful Zero. These guys are getting up to a mix of heavy and pop. The quad balances some heavy doom leaning metal with a lighter pop rock sound. Whole lot of range and a whole lot of talent from this group.
Finally we have The Francines. I have to imagine they are named after the iconic local kitty, which already gets them on a good note. They have a seriously rockin’ grunge/alt rock sort of sound. The main word that comes to mind when listening to them is rockin’ (no g, it’s just rockin’).
Roslin, SKIPS, Phrases, Sleepygolucky
Sunday, May 31
Banditos
Banditos is continuing to kill it with Sunday bills; this week we have Roslin headlining. The group is dreamy and shoegazey, with a solid alternative core. They had a pair of demos put out on bandcamp at the end of last year and they are great. They are hazy and inviting with a lot to unpack and explore in each song.
We turn our attention to SKIPS who are on the heavier end of the shoegaze spectrum. They nail their slower and softer moments but it is those heavy thick guitars that really put some pep in your step. We are coming up on two years since a release from these local cats so hopefully they continue to evolve that guitar driven sound.
Phrases are up with a catchy pop rock sound. These guys are oozing with ear worms, these tracks will be rattling around the entire drive home. Their lighter sound should balance well with the rest of the bill.
End of the line with Sleepygolucky. They are revolving around a more electronic sound. They have some pop sensibilities and pair it with a bit more alternative hardware to create a super unique sound.
NEW RVA TUNES
Bad Attitude by Rat Fight
Hoooooh doggy, the long awaited Rat Fight record is here. I have always had such a tender spot for these lads, we came up cutting our teeth together in music and have played countless shows together. In my opinion, they are the best example of a straight up punk group in town. They are fueled by (what some would call) radical politics, have a real “take-no-shit” attitude, and go harder live than any other. The record delivers their signature bark perfectly and captures their adrenaline fueled live shows well. These new releases showcase some great dual vocals that put some firecrackers down your pants.
My standout tracks are “Tightrope”, “TimeBomb”, and “Slumlord“ (the last of which being written about a property management company that you have heard of). Give the whole record a listen on your next drive, the Rats blast through 11 songs and it will only take you 20 minutes.
Main photo of Roslin by ???
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