Crazy good lineups this week, from some huge names, some up and coming names, some friendly names, all good stuff.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Automatic, Accessory
Friday, September 18th at The Camel
L.A. art rockers Automatic are hitting The Camel this week. These guys have been on my radar for a minute, and I was super stoked to see them making a stop in Richmond. They have this real cold and confident shimmer to them. They know exactly who they are and make no amends for anything else.
Their relatively stripped-back sound (synth, bass, drum, and vocal) is so direct and to the point. There is nothing else to distract you, no surplus of sound to lose the message in. It is a train steadily chugging along, nodding your head to the rhythm. They have a very cinematic quality to them, and you cannot help but see the greens and reds of some hazy club shining across your bedroom ceiling.
Accessory is a really cool project that I am excited to be acquainted with. The sound is almost like Lou Reed brought into the year 2026. It has that slowed-down ’60s piano sound that really makes you feel like you are in someone’s story.
The drench of reverbed vocals are smooth and disarming, and a real worn and beautiful atmosphere is set, and is more than easy to get comfortable in.
Unseemlier, Bashful, Heavy Friends
Saturday September 19th at Banditos
Unseemlier are coming into town from up North way. They are some rockers who self-describe as heavy emo and soft punk, which does pretty good justice. They certainly have a healthy dose of post-hardcore sensibility to them that is pretty lively and exciting. There are a lot of bands that I think pair well with this group: Four Years Strong, Power Washer, and even the local likes of Gaffer.
This group is certainly emo, but I like how they are not afraid to lean into some broader emotional territory, and those powerful, harsh vocals will hit home no matter what the subject matter is.
Bashful are some VA pop punkers that are still high off of the release of their sophomore record, ‘Til It Makes You Sick. They are sharp with angst and overflowing with feelings that they pair with some real catchy hooks. They have got to be a high-energy and high-movement performance, so go check ’em out!
Last up, we have local act Heavy Friends. They are a blast with a broadly pop rock sound. The quad are fantastic live and deliver some intense performances with some incredible guitar solos.
Switchfoot, Anberlin
Sunday, September 20th at The National
I usually try to focus on smaller touring bands and local acts but this was a band of my childhood so I am tossing it on here. California rockers Switchfoot are playing Sunday night at The National. In my eyes these guys picked up the pieces of grunge as the genre left the mainstream and evolved it into its own 2000s continuation. Their sound is huge and anthemic, perfectly fitting for the big and beautiful stage of The National. How do you not scrunch up your face and nod along as “Dare You to Move” blasts along the car speakers on a drive through your home town.
The Californians are being joined by Florida alt rock/emo act Anberlin. They have no shortage of hits and hard hitters. I enjoy that there is almost a small trace of new wave in their sound, balancing quieter intimate moments with huge guitar swells and aggressive screaming vocals. They are coming up close to their next album release and have a pair of singles out now that are just chalked full of emotion and longing.
NEW TUNES
“Don’t Play” by Christopher Janos
Alright, this is a little outside of RVA, but Christopher Janos has recorded tons of Richmond acts, so we are putting it in here. “Don’t Play” is the song, and from the first note, it holds your hand sweetly.
Its dreamy indie feel is mesmerizing and hypnotic, and you can really understand Janos’ skill as an engineer and musician with the layers upon layers of guitars, strings, and vocals. The swell that comes in the back third of the song is just overwhelming. The music washes over you. It really is a freeing feeling captured in the tune. I am excited to see what comes next from Janos because this is a hell of a release.
Main photo Automatic
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