We’re talking Destructo Disk, we’re talking Gaffer, we’re talking Belly of the Heart, nothing but the best. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Destructo Disk, FRIEND, Gaffer
Friday, August 28th at The Camel
After weeks of incessant touring, hometown heroes Destructo Disk are back with a local show and a hard-hitting song drop to go along. D.D. is one of the most active and original pop punk groups out there right now. The group has amassed a loyal fanbase and has been getting increasing attention all across the world as they continue to put out kick-ass songs that connect with all the young and wild ones out in the void. The group has a fantastic way of keeping things simple yet ultra-relatable and sympathetic. They are always a blast live, so go check ‘em out if you have never caught them.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Friend is always well received in RVA. They self-describe under the mouthful, “alternative garage noise goblin punk indie rock,” which about sums it up. I don’t know what I could add to that. This group is a wild lot and always succeeds in making a show feel like some circus-themed party.
Last up, we have young emo rockers Gaffer. This is a band I have cast my lot for. Their recent singles and EP are just incredibly prolific examples of songwriting and dynamics. They are one of the most exciting bands in town right now, so it’s best to catch them soon before they enter the larger touring and festival circuits that I see in their future.
Wilt, Rikki Rakki
Saturday August 29th at The Camel
Alternative rockers Wilt are hitting Richmond amidst their multi-month touring cycle as they head closer and closer to the release of their debut record. They are certainly rock-focused, with a certain passion for those ’90s heavy hitters that can be heard in their sound. They definitely have a stadium sound, so it is cool to catch them at the Camel before they head off to Europe and beyond. Their sound is rooted deeply in simple but effective guitar leads and has the band sit somewhere between Nirvana and Weezer. They have an ear for a poppy hook and a massive fanbase, so they must be doing something right.
Joining this Saturday night affair are Richmond sweethearts Rikki Rakki. These locals are a sweet and special mix of folk and indie rock that has become cemented as a Richmond staple and classic. They often slip into these dreamy grooves and hazy spaces in songs that feel both distant and near, cold and warm, familiar and new. All that to say is that I think this band has a sense of magic to them, and it is a magic that is inexplicably tied to Richmond.
Babe Lewis, Latchkey, Ranfeld, Saint Frances
Thursday, September 3rd at Banditos
A great night to be a Richmond indie fan. Babe Lewis is sitting pretty on 3 new tracks as of right now, and they are full of crunchy, guitar-centered indie rock. This group is always full of life and energy and has a very summer sound to them that makes you want to ride off into the sunset.
Latchkey is a newer group, but they are already off to a solid sound. They are a little bit more atmospheric than the other acts on the bill. There is something a bit more dreamlike that sets them apart, and it is very intriguing. I am going to keep an eye out for this lot, looking for a first release.
Ranfeld has its roots in indie rock but has gone on to much broader and more experimental realms. Every member of the group is an experienced alumnus of VCU’s variety of music classes, and that academic talent is shown off well.
Last up, we have Saint Frances, a solo act that puts out some seriously endearing and heart-wrenching tunes. They have been putting on some great shows lately, and the buzz has been buzzing.
NEW TUNES
Big Imagination by Belly of the Heart
It seems like we just had a Belly of the Heart album release but time goes by quickly! Big Imagination is the new record and that first word is a great takeaway, BIG. This band has always had a big sound, big ideas, and big executions. They are taking their alt-pop sound in an even more alt route, with less convention but arguably more interest. I love how much there is to swim through in their tunes. You could spend hours trying to catch each little sound bite and sampled moment and I bet you would have a blast the whole time.
Main photo of Destructo Disk
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