Closing out July rockin’ and rollin. This week we have an absolute excess of rock in town. I cannot wait to see Avail, a legendary bucket list group, The Linda Lindas, a west coast band I have so far been only able to experience digitally, and Space Koi, a local band new to me but more unique than anything I have seen in a while. What can I say but let’s dance! Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.
LIVE LOUD: CONCERTS ON THE JAMES
Avail, The Menzingers, The Suicide Machines, Sheer Mag, Division of Mind, Doll Baby
You are like me, you are a red blooded Richmonder, a Richmondite, a Richmondenizen, and an Avail fan. Richmond’s proud punk rock sons, the progenitors of ripping energetic tunes. The group that penned “Over The James” in 1998 will be playing over our beloved river once more. The band carved RVA onto the map of hardcore over the course of the mid 90’s by refusing to copy the success of 80’s hardcore and rock, instead, forging a melodic sound with a near universal appeal to anyone in the continent of rock & roll. With decades of experience the group is still known for crazy live shows that look no different from the videos of their youthful early gigs. The songs are timelessly impressive and the band truly immersive. Hometown heroes, Avail.
I would personally describe it as a blessing, perhaps a bit divine, the lineup of bands we have leading up to our local protagonists. The Menzingers have become such a staple in American punk this side of the century. They have been on tour with every famous band for extremely evident reasons. Oh you don’t like fun? Well it sucks to be you because we got some ska. The Suicide Machines will be delivering that signature 90’s ska sound and I will be skanking right along (shoutout to the guy at the grocery store with The Suicide Machines shirt on Friday). Sheer Mag are mantle bearers in the legacy of rock & roll. I absolutely adore that blues inspired, but not overly complicated, guitar sound. When you want something to slam to, Division of Mind have got you covered. The heaviest on the bill, these guys are packing some grizzly growls and dynamite double-kicks. Doll Baby are some local alternatives that brandish some fuzzy guitar over an impressive vocal range. There is something incredibly modern about this band that makes you want to fall into their musical pool. Everyone of these bands is bringing something unique and powerful to this show. This is one of the most legendary sonic-potlucks I have ever seen on one poster.
The Camel | Sunday, July 28th:
Linda Lindas and Bacchae
“Since we’re all growing up together, I guess I’ll grow up with you.” My first experience with the LA based quad, The Linda Lindas, was their viral library performance of their song “Racist, Sexist Boy”, and instantly I was hooked. Much of the articles I found online absolutely hammered in the young age of this band but I will not be doing that. I will be hammering in the sheer skill in the songwriting. If you are worn out they make you feel energized, if you feel lost they make you feel understood, and when you feel angry they are right next to you on the line. Their new single “All In My Head” continues this connection and shows growth from their already amazing first full length album released on Epitaph Records.
Supporting them is Washington DC’s own Bacchae. Almost spooky vocals and twisty guitar licks spin in and around each other over sturdy bass lines and clean spiky drums. They feel like a mix of the B 52’s, Bikini Kill, and all that energetic new stuff out of DC right now. With a new Single out this year recorded by J Robbins of Jawbox, a sum up of the east coast post punk sound, the band is extremely exciting and fresh. I for one cannot wait to be pogo-ing around the Camels walls all night long.
Get Tight Lounge | THURSDAY, JULy 25th
Space Koi, Dan & The Fam, Gold Station Melody
As a youth (I am 21) I was greatly mystified by my close friends who had found a burning passion for the prog, the musically intellectual, music a space wizard would listen to. I may not understand it but I know when it is good. Richmond righteous rockers and funk fusioners, Space Koi, will be playing The Get Tight Lounge. I highly recommend checking out their set from March at the Broadberry to get a feel of how groovy, yet metallically minded these guys are. Their live show is like a disco on an alien planet. They have got big things on the books for the next year, so seeing them at Get Tight is a diamond in the musical mountain up for the taking.
They are being supported by Dan and The Fam and Gold Station Melody. Dan and the respective Fam are a bit jammy, a bit psychedelic, with an underappreciated southern flare to ‘em, with some licks that will get you smiling. Gold Station Melody are similar with a bit more of an ethereal side, something that makes you float rather than bounce.
New TuneS!
‘It Is Always Our War’ by Paul Willson
Possibly surprising, but I have a deep love and appreciation for orchestral music. This is lucky because Richmond’s own Paul Willson just released one of the most moving pieces of contemporary classical music in the form of It Is Always Our War, a piece written “in protest and reflection on the horrors unfolding in Palestine.” I think it is often hard to make political music effectively without words, but Willson has absolutely accomplished this with themes of American patriotic music contrasted with lullaby-like melodies, all painting an acute depiction of the genocide in Palestine. It is part of a four song EP with an even split of instrumental and Dylan-inspired tunes.
‘Summer Zine’ by Either/Both
Local shoe-gazers Either/Both released their debut single Summer Zine not too long ago and I think it is going to stay in my rotation. I am very excited to see what follows this poppy youthful song that feels like a late night, open window drive.
