Lots of my favorites out here this week. Great way to enter fall with a nice mix of atmospheric drone balanced out by some twangy fun.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Celler Dwellers, Phrases, Luna Light
Saturday, October 3rd at The Camel
One of my favorite local acts is back at the Camel this week. Celler Dwellers are the local leaders in laid-back indie live. Every tune they play harks back to some distant memory that you had almost just forgotten. Sonically, they are getting their money out of those chorus pedals; their slow songs are dreamy and dear, their fast songs are friendly and perfect dance fuel.
Listening to Celler Dwellers is just sentimental and sweet, like finally sitting down on the porch with your friend that moved out of state some time ago, but when you are there, it is like no time has passed.
Phrases are a similarly experienced and talented local act. They have a lot of energy to ’em; they got springs in their shoes and are all go-go-go. This is a good one to dance to, whether it is a special someone that you are snuggled up to, or your fifty closest friends throwing yourselves around.
Luna Light is the new kid on the block. This bedroom pop is made up by some scene veterans and has already been received warmly by the city after a few shows. They already are getting some buzz, so keep your eyes on Luna Light.
I Have A Dreampop Fest
Saturday, October 3rd at Cobra Cabana
This is a super cool one to come my way. I Have A Dreampop Fest is a mini festival founded by the iconic North Carolina band The Veldt. There are a million and one great bands on this bill, all falling into that dreamy pop realm, and I have no doubt many of these acts have looked up to The Veldt in their musical careers.
If you want a full day of sonic sweetness, dreamy drones, and rich reverb, this is the place to be.
Public Image Ltd, Plague Vendor
monday, October 5th at The National
You may love ‘em, you may hate ‘em, but Public Image Ltd is at the National this week. From their outset in 1978, they have been one of the most creative and driving forces in post-punk. Singer John Lydon has always been a controversial figure since his days in the Sex Pistols. His unpredictability and ability to stir up a reaction is legendary, but credit where it’s due, the man (and band) has some truly groundbreaking tunes.
Plague Vendor are in support. These guys have been on my radar since my teen years, and I have been hoping to see them for some time. Their raw and aggressive performances have certainly solidified their own legacy and mythos. They blend classic punk, garage rock, and more moody post-punk into something really powerful and strong, something that will last for quite a while.
Squirrel Flower, Dari Bay
Friday, October 2nd at Richmond Music Hall
Last up for this week, we have Chicago’s Squirrel Flower. The project started out as a DIY singer-songwriter experiment but has grown massively as it rounds out 11 years since the debut EP. With fleshed-out instrumentation, Squirrel Flower builds some real sonic spaces and immersive environments behind the sweet and angelic vocals.
The newest installment came out on August 21st, entitled Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going. What a name, and the title track does it justice. It is ethereal and gentle, like mist over water.
On tour with Squirrel Flower is Dari Bay. This project is in a similar vein, stemming from a simple songwriter start, fleshed out into a more polished and defined indie sound. They definitely take an interesting approach with more of a lo-fi angle to the overall sound, with hints of ’90s alternative inspiration in the cracks of it all.
NEW TUNES
“Tinsel Glory” by Curtis Sydnor
Tinsel Glory is a double single recently released by Curtis Sydnor. The first track, the title track, is a gentle, piano-driven, almost jazzy tune. The lyrics are sparse but paint a bleak and haunting picture that pairs with the ghostly nature of the piano.
The song is followed up by the B-side, “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos).” This one is a heartfelt hand extended to the immigrants that keep the country running, but to no thanks from the benefactors. The song makes an effort to show the dehumanization of our fellow man when you are born on “the other side of the river.”
I will leave a favorite line of mine, one that hits like a truck:
“My father’s own father, he waded that river
They took all the money that he made in his life
My sisters and brothers came workin’ the fruit trees
They laid in that truck ’til they took down and died.”
Main photo Public Image Ltd
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