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Palmyra with Joseph Terrell, Nabeel, Shagwuf
August 20-22nd at The Camel
Virginia natives Palmyra are gearing up for three nights at The Camel this week. The group has spent their post-Covid years solidifying themselves as one of the strongest indie folk groups on this side of the country. Their two records, two EPs, and countless singles have created a loyal and wide fanbase that connects deeply to both the melodic and charming traditional folk sound, as well as the indie and sometimes emo moments that help elevate them from a place of easy definition.
I think one thing that can be said for certain is that this group is overflowing with songwriting talent. They are able to translate their themes of identity, gender, and growth into a sound that speaks on every front. The trio is gearing up for their third EP, Cheap Beer, which is set to release on September 18th. The singles are already standing on solid ground, so this EP is set to be a great addition to their already rich catalogue.
Joseph Terrell will be kicking off this exciting weekend. He has a classic cowboy style of songwriting, detailing stories of free spirits and troublemakers. There is a healthy level of commentary in it, which helps ground the act and make it feel more tangible and current. His voice is cool, calm, and collected, and harkens to the likes of John Prine. This music fills a very great role in modern outlaw country, singing about the undercurrent of American society.
Night two will feature support from Nabeel نبيل. Nabeel is one of the most interesting acts in town right now. He plays a mix of indie and shoegaze that is fleshed out by his Iraqi heritage. His music has been getting more than local buzz. Nabeel is quickly becoming a national act, with buzz coming from Rolling Stone and Crack Magazine. His sound is very ethereal but still feels very grounded and personal, which is a hard thing to balance in the shoegaze world. I think we are extremely lucky to have an act like this breaking through the city limits and finding ground on the national stage.
The final night has Shagwüf on board. These are some absolute rock and rollers with plenty of psychedelic flair and grungy bite. They are a must-see group if you have not already seen them. Their shows are dynamic and exciting in a way that no one else can replicate. Every set is full of its own unique moments and memorable scenes that solidify them as one of RVA’s favorites.
Joey Cash, Harsh Intention
Saturday August 22nd at Richmond Music Hall
Joey Cash is coming to the Music Hall this week. Hailing from LA, Cash has a really unique and dynamic electronic sound. These tunes fit well in a dingy rave and a nice, clean club alike. It’ll get you fast and loose like any good electronic music, but it has a slight grungy air to it that will get you dancing in all sorts of ways. The production on these songs is great, and they have that certain something that makes the rest of the world just fade away, and you’re caught in that foggy haze of sound.
Cash is being joined by Harsh Intention, a popular shoegaze outfit from in town that is miles ahead of nearly every shoegaze group I can think of. They capture a still, melancholy feeling so well. It’s simple but makes you feel complex. These guys are pure silver. That’s what I see when I listen to ’em, pure swirling silver.
Jo Passed, Dave Watkins, Chest Hair
Sunday, August 23rd at Gallery 5
Jo Passed is a Canadian indie pop artist that’ll be closing out his tour in RVA this week. Indie pop is the best way I could describe it quickly, but it is much more experimental than that. He plays with bits of noise rock and an overall alternative rock element that pairs really well with his ultra-catchy riffs and soft voice. His choruses are so memorable, and they make you want to start dancing around right in your bedroom. I think this sound will hit home for all the indie weirdos that make Richmond great.
Dave Watkins is the first of the locals. Watkins is definitely on the experimental side of things, stacking loops on loops on loops. His stuff is ambient and mesmerizing. Sometimes it’s very tangible and based in guitar; other times, it’s like steam coming up from a boiling synth. Watkins’ music feels like being on the beach, in the stars, and down in a cave all at once.
Last up, we have Chest Hair, who are in the large camp of Richmond punk, but they certainly have a foot in the experimental and electronic world as well. They really get things moving; they are super easy to dance to and get your head behind. It’s got so much weirdness and charm that you just start smiling and bopping along.
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