We’ve got one of the biggest indie rock bands of the last 30 years rolling through Richmond, some stompy Irish punk, a stacked Sunday bill full of rising bands, and a new TV Battle Stations track. Let’s get into it. — Tony
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Pavement, Piranha Rama
Saturday July 25th at The National
This one has been the talk of the town, at least in the scenes and circles I frequent. California indie rock pioneers Pavement are in town on the big stage. These guys are easily one of the most important bands in American underground music. Their tight, sharp indie sound has influenced countless bands since their inception in 1989. Half of the local bands that we know and love would happily list Pavement as a group that set the stage for what they do now.
The band is an absolute masterclass in songwriting, but I think the friendly, colloquial attitude they bring is just as, if not more, important. The buzz around town about this show has been so overwhelmingly positive and upbeat that it makes it all the more exciting.
Always a cool move to have a local band at The National, this time it’s Piranha Rama. This local lot put out their fourth album in May and have really covered a wide range of genres and sounds in their time. With a pretty extensive back catalog, you can’t predict a lot, but overall their sound is jangly, fun, upbeat, and full of life. They are a lot of fun, especially when you kick your feet up and let them take the reins with whatever sound they have cooked up next.
The Fighting Jamesons
Friday July 24th at Richmond Music Hall
Absolute Irish American spirit in the city of Richmond. The Fighting Jamesons are a Virginia Irish folk-punk group akin to Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. The group blitzes through Irish traditional music at twice the speed and at least three times the volume. I have to imagine this will be a pretty chaotic show, with the band leaning into their punk roots and turning those amps up to 11.
Go ahead and give their records a few spins before the show, and I promise it will convince you to throw yourself into the middle of the fray.
TV Star, Beauty, Elizabeth Stride, Morpha Too
Sunday July 26th at Banditos
Seattleites TV Star are coming into town this Sunday. The group is part of that big modern swell of grungers who dig a more rocking country sound. This seems to be popping up all over the country, and it certainly is making its mark. The group presents itself through a thick haze of guitars that chirp out bluesy riffs amid the smoke. I could see Bucko fans getting along real well with this group. They are somewhat fresh off their debut record, which seems to have done them quite well and raised a loyal fan base. I have to imagine that fan base will grow this week here in town.
New Jersey’s Beauty has a shorter drive to the show. This trio is straight rock and roll. You are getting what you pay for: catchy melodies, riffing guitars, big ol’ songs. If you are missing Cheap Trick as much as I do, you should shake a leg with these guys.
Elizabeth Stride is the first of the locals. This group is rich, rich, rich shoegaze. They only have a demo out on Bandcamp, but it is really solid stuff. When they lean into the effects, it is that perfect storm of guitars. You can’t see through it, so you just get swept up in the wind.
The last group is a relatively new project called Morpha Too. It is a stacked lineup of young but already veteran players delving into jangle pop. I was lucky to catch one of their shows so far and was blown away by how catchy and memorable these tunes are. If you are into the whole Sharp Pins/TV Buddha thing that is happening right now, catch Morpha Too.
NEW RVA TUNES
“Halfpipe” by TV Battle Stations
Another absolute tearjerker from TV Battle Stations. The track is “Halfpipe,” and it is a swirl of beautiful vocals and stripped-back country style. The tune features some great steel guitar playing that helps tie a nice overarching ribbon between the verses. This group knows how to hit you right in the heartstrings.
I don’t know if it is the vocal delivery or the stylization of the music, but this group gets me feeling emotional every single time, and “Halfpipe” absolutely delivers. Great lyricism, great vocals, great songwriting. What the hell else could you ask for?
Main photo of Pavement by Pooneh Ghana
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