With Halloweekend behind us and Halloween falling on a dreaded weekday, some in Richmond are perhaps looking forward to some quiet times to themselves before the hustle and bustle of the holidays pick up in the middle of November. This week on SOUND CHECK we’ll cover some laid back concerts from Moon Taxi and the Sam Grisman Project for you to catch later in the week if you have run out of energy and just want something chill, and then after that we’ve got a number of Richmond artists who have put out everything from post-hardcore to covers of novelty pop songs from obscure Disney movies. We’ve got it all for you here on Sound Check.
If you’re a band with no tunes, or have your ear to ground and want to throw out some suggestions, send an email to bones@rvamag.com
Out of town acts to see
MOON TAXI
Friday, November 3rd @ The National
Doors: 7:00 pm
This outfit out of Nashville are no amateurs, as Moon Taxi has been releasing music for over a decade and are bringing their classic indie sound to Richmond. Friday night at The National is always a wild time, but when you throw in a band with the kind of broad appeal that Moon Taxi has, it is sure to be a packed night. With an un obtrusive sound and hits to boot, if you’re not familiar with this group it is time to get on it as they have something for everyone. While their earlier work leans into that indie sound indiscriminately, they have in recent years embraced poppier hooks and a dreamier tonality, but that only makes the songs that much catchier and enjoyable for those who are fans of a hummable tune.
SAM GRISMAN PROJECT
Thursday, November 2nd @ The Broadberry
Doors: 7:00 pm
If the name Sam Grisman sounds vaguely familiar to you, its probably because this project is fronted by the son of David Grisman, the influential mandolin player and close friend of Jerry Garcia. David Grisman combined elements of bluegrass, folk and jazz into a style he termed “Dawg Music.” He completely changed the way that modern players view and think about the instrument. While most children of musicians that make a foray into the arts themselves often try to distance themselves from their parents, Sam Grisman seems to be embracing the connection as he plays his father’s repertoire as well as carrying the torch spiritually by providing a platform for he and his friends to perform in much of the same way. If you like progressive acoustic work, this is absolutely the project for you, and you should check them out when they come to town this Thursday.
local & regional releases
SLEAVE
All These Songs Are About You (EP)
This is the first release from local group Sleave in over four years, and at just six songs and under 14 minutes long they have mastered the art of leaving the audience wanting more. A full rock sound underscores this bands surprisingly catchy tunes with a post-hardcore soul, characterized by memorable and dynamic guitar melodies often teaming up to form beautiful harmonies and a vocalist who knows how to give their all. Transitioning flawlessly from a rare full baritone sound to harsh yet tasteful screams at a moments notice, this group have evolved their sound from earlier recordings without changing their core ideals, and listeners can only wonder when they might just do it again, because I for one can’t get enough.
SUN V SET
Curious Wave (Album)
We already dove deep on this record by locals Sun V Set last week, but if you haven’t check it then by all means do so. It is an excellent ethereal folk record dropped at the perfect time to score the falling leaves and peak fall colors gracing the city this time of year. Easy to listen to and endlessly enjoyable, Curious Wave is a brilliant first installment from this Richmond collective.
TIGHT ROPE
“Crazy Eyes” (Single)
Not long after their debut release under their new name, Tight Rope have done it again with “Crazy Eyes.” Though considerably more reserved than their previous release, “Crazy Eyes” possesses a trippy dissonance reminiscent of a post-Pink-Floyd Syd Barrett, yet with decidedly more direction and intention. With releases to close together one can only wonder if they have an album on the horizon, and what would the sound be of a band who is so clearly capable of dynamic contrast and auditory contortion. Listeners must only wait, and perhaps check out the next live show from this band on the rise.
ERIN & THE WILDFIRE
“I2I” (Single)
A fun and thoroughly confusing little ditty put together by local favorites Erin & the Wildfire, this single is a cover of” I2I” by Powerline, the song playing during the climactic scene of Disney’s A Goofy Movie. Sound absurd? It is! And it was a wonderful surprise to discover late last week as it popped up on my feed. With a tight band behind her, Lunsford’s full voice performs her signature acrobatics as they pay homage to a lighthearted moment from a generation’s childhood memories.
Top photo courtesy of Moon Taxi.
