On this week’s SOUND CHECK, I’ve got tons of lovely music for you from across the sonic spectrum. From an incredible visitor from out of town bringing with them on stage a variety of local talent to open the night, to a local music spotlight that has been lighting up Thursdays in Richmond. At The Camel this weekend, Lady Moon & The Eclipse grace the stage while offering supporting roles to locals Cassidy Snider and Pharaoh Sistare, while at Richmond Music Hall this Thursday Nancy Raygun front a night of local rock talent. After that, check out the new EP from local chameleons Cleophus James, and then see what’s been on repeat in my ear buds.
Are you a band with new tunes, a listener with suggestions, or just want to say hi? Send an email to Bones@rvamag.com
out of town acts to see
LADY MOON & THE ECLIPSE, CASSIDY SNIDER & THE WRANGLERS & PHARAOH SISTARE
Friday, March 29th @ The Camel
Doors: 9:00 pm
From the moment you first hear her gorgeous sound, you will fall under the hypnosis of Lady Moon. The frontwomen out of Oakland, California infuses her distinct blend of funky R&B with complex jazzy rhythms imbuing her thematically tranquil music with a grand sense of entropy adding up to a dichotomy that can only be described as pure beauty. Moon’s voice rises and falls like a wave crashing and receding at the height of a storm. Her dulcet tones fade in and out of the forefront to bring attention to her lyrics, and then to the beat and instrumentation lying just underneath while dense chordal synths come and go seemingly at well. If you feel that you need a taste before you head out this Friday, then check out her album Journey to the Cosmic Soul for a glimpse into the world of Lady Moon.
Backing her up are local favorites Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers. Her swampy blues influenced rock will offer an interesting contrast to the more electronic tones of Lady Moon. Opening up the show will be another local, Pharaoh Sistare, whose polished pop influenced songs are as danceable as they are catchy — which is incredibly. It’s going to be a great night filled with music, peace and love, so by all means head on down to The Camel Friday night.
local & regional acts to see
NANCY RAYGUN, THE MILESTONES & ROUGHSHOD
Thursday March 28th @ Richmond Music Hall
Door: 7:00 pm
Stomping Grounds is a series where, on the fourth Thursday of every month at Richmond Music Hall, Broadberry Entertainment group offers up a curated lineup of local talent. In collaboration with The Auricular, Richmond Music Hall has been playing host to some of the greatest underground acts in the city, and this week the theme appears to be rough and wild rock and roll.
Roughshod are opening the night with their rough around the edges brand of rock with just a touch of 80’s synthy-ness that serves as an interesting bit of studio polish over this group that behaves like they might blow the windows out of a windowless basement show.
The Milestones are taking the stage after them with their heavy hitting alt-rock flavors. The group had a hot year in 2023 releasing a studio album, and EP and a live EP featuring 5 tracks. The energy this band brings to the stage is electric, but you wouldn’t know it you caught them backstage as the band members speak softly, however those that do often carry a big stick.
Closing out the night are favorites Nancy Raygun. Another group who embrace the grunginess that lent itself to rock and roll of a bygone age, this three piece ensemble have a hold on this city’s indie scene in a way few have ever achieved. The dynamic ensemble do so much with just a guitar, a bass and a drum, so make sure you catch them on their home turf before they shoot their way to the big time.
Local & Regional Releases
CLEOPHUS JAMES – MOONLIGHT (EP)
I’m excited to talk about the new tracks from Richmond collective Cleophus James. Their new EP Moonlight will be dropping this Friday, March 29th and you should stop what you’re doing right now and pre-save this release immediately. I had a chance to check out these new tunes earlier this week, and I have gone back time and time again to relisten to this short yet captivating group of tracks. The laid back “Casino” which never picks up the pace, but who needs it, offers thick, syrupy bass tones and psychedelic synths interjections making for a trippy soundscape. Compare this to the wildly different “Fat Times” which offers up a quick country inspired beat complete with twangy guitars; the whole kit and country caboodle. Despite it only running four tracks, this Moonlight has something for everybody, and everything for those who love the sounds of Richmond.
what I’m listening to
MOLCHAT DOMA – Этажи (album)
Do not ask me to pronounce, as I do not know. Last year I became obsessed with bands who graced the 80s with the sounds of new wave — Talking Heads, DEVO, etc. — and it’s interesting to see how that sound has permeated it’s way into the 21st century, and on the other side of the world. Belarusian ensemble Molchat Doma’s 2018 album showcases an understanding of the low-fi avant-garde sound that defined the new wave revolution as it riffed off the fledgling punk scene and brought in poppier elements, while also taking a more artistic approach to both. Simultaneously psychedelic and dancey, I can not understand a single world they mumble into their distorted microphones, but it speaks to me with an honesty that few groups have who have broached this hyper specific sound have managed to produce. I can’t even recommend tracks to you because I don’t know how to say them, but it is a shockingly versatile record that could accompany any vibe from a dance party to a spring time jaunt down by the river. I can’t recommend this record enough, so check it out, and all their other music too while you’re at it.
Top photo courtesy of Lady Moon
