I can feel the energy already picking back up. It doesn’t feel like winter outside, and the huge burst of activity here on the scene certainly leaves nothing to be desired with a deluge of just about anything listeners could ask for. All weekend long The Camel has something for everybody with country and blues on Friday, “gay space synth punk” on Saturday, and on Sunday the energetic rock band Mom Rock. After you’ve figured out where you’re going this weekend, check out the latest record by the band George, and see the Dutch/Anatolian band I’ve been listening to.
Are you a band with new music, a listener with suggestions or just want to say hi? Send an email to bones@rvamag.com
out of town acts to see
BAND OF HORSES
Monday, January 29th @ The National
Doors: 6:30 pm
Carrying the torch of rock into the 20th century, Band Of Horses will not go gently into that good night. Approaching 20 years of releases, Band of Horses are coming to Richmond in a later added show of their most recent tour to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with after all this time. “The Funeral of course sticks out in my mind, but one can check out any of their multiple studio or live albums to find out that their deep tracks hold up almost as much as their hits. Follow Band of Horses on Instagram.
MOM ROCK
Sunday, January 28th @ The Camel
Doors: 7:00 pm
Who the hell are they? I wish I could tell you. Their website’s about you page lists them as the creators of numerous fake products, their Spotify and Instagram profiles list a booking agent and along with a mysterious phone number. Give 925-MOM ROCK a call and you will not be a disappointed I promise. If their live shows are anything like their incredibly energetic tunes chock full of personality and chutzpah, then this Sunday night show at The Camel is sure to be anything but your average laid back Sunday evening. Follow Mom Rock on Instagram.
local & regional acts to see
GIRLSPIT
Saturday, January 27th @ The Camel
Doors: 8:00 pm
I first caught GIRLSPIT at a place I can’t tell you about, and a guy was giving out many beaded bracelets which he kept calling “candy.” There were hundreds of these pieces and he was giving them away by the handful. This spacey punk group is chock full of synth tunes led by bombastic stage personas with plenty of Pride, it’s hard not to like this in your face band. If you can’t wait until Saturday for for hot tunes of this high energy group, then check out their debut EP which dropped late last year until you get to this weekend. Follow GIRLSPIT on instagram.
THE SUGAR HOLLOWS
Friday, January 26th @ The Camel
Doors: 9:00 pm
I first talked about The Sugar Hollows when they put out their record in the spring of last year and they have kept up the pace ever since. This country influenced rock band put their unique spin on this well known sound to produce incredibly personal music. You’re gifted this week with bands that all of have music out so by all means put their debut self-titled record that stands as a beautiful tribute to Virginia and a wonderful piece of Americana in and of itself. Follow The Sugar Hollows on Instagram.
local & regional releases
GEORGE
“Leave it” (album)
Boy can this band be hard to find, but it is worth it to listen to the music of George. A three piece ensemble from Richmond, their second release entitled “Leave It” carries on their tradition of dichotomous jangly shoe gaze while delighting in disorienting their audience as much as pleasing. With songs ranging from just over two minutes while some are over five the music of George can change in a moments notice switching from their laid back sound of distorted vocals to raucous tunes ready to jump the tracks. This helter skelter approach to songwriting keeps the audience guessing and requires, or rather demands, a listeners full attention. Follow George on Instagram.
what I’ve been listening to
ATLIN GÜN
Aşk (album)
Found by a chance suggestion by the almighty algorithm, this group fell into my lap a few weeks ago with their debut album On released in 2018 and worked my way up to their most contemporary release Aşk from 2023. This Turkish band based out of Amsterdam have a thoroughly unique sound blending sounds of modern psychedelia with their middle eastern influences in not just their tones, but in their songwriting and structure as well. Sure they can write a modern rock track as well as the next group, but it’s when this ensemble descends into arhythmic string sections with the reverb cranked all the way up and the howling of some far off voice in a language most western listeners will not understand that this group becomes something truly special. I highly recommend their entire catalogue, but if you want to find a place to start, Aşk is as good as anywhere else. Follow Atlin Gün on Instagram.
Main photos by Kevin Burnstein & Diana King @kevin_and_king
