Never let anyone tell you ska is dead, we got a little bit of it in every show on the books this week. If you are opposed to that you will have to take it up with my Two Tone tattoo.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
The Bouncing Souls, The Suicide Machines, Strike Anywhere, Human Issue
TUESday, September 15th at The National
Get your nice combat boots on ‘cause The Bouncing Souls are in town this week! These guys have been pogoing through American music for over 35 years and hit just as hard as ever with their optimistic punk rock. I always felt like they were a continuation of the Ramones’ message of being yourself and keeping a smile through it all, while taking the camaraderie and seriousness of bands like 7 Seconds.
The group put out their newest record in June of this year, and they are as sharp as ever. The record seems to revolve around the understanding that living a life is no easy feat, but you do it because there is a hope of something better in the future, something worth pushing towards, something worth leaving behind.
Joining them is one of the most legendary third-wave ska acts, The Suicide Machines. They sum up the merging of ska and punk quite well, evolving from acts like The Specials, The Selecter, and largely Operation Ivy. They are a band that just cannot run out of energy and will have ya skankin’ around for as long as you’ll have them.
To really raise the stakes here, let’s add Richmond legends Strike Anywhere. They are one of those punk groups that cannot stop writing anthems. Every song could fill a stadium, but you’d hope you could catch it in a backyard. They have never been one to shy away from sharing their beliefs, and that has cemented them as one of Richmond’s proudest musical acts. I am sure no small population would deny their status as RVA icons.
Last up, we got melodic hardcore rockers in the likes of Human Issue. They are one of those bands that will have the whole crowd singing into the mic, piling over themselves to belt out a loud and proud chorus. I think they have a really wide range of dynamics that you do not always see in modern hardcore, and I think they do it well.
Human Worm, Logos The Poetic, Gaffer, Habeeb, Madison Turner
Saturday September 12th at The Camel
Holy moly, what a lineup for local music publication The Auricular’s 8th anniversary party. Headlining it all, we have synth rockers Human Worm. This is one of my favorite local acts to catch live; they have such a wide range, varying between dancey egg punk, melancholic indie, and teeth-cutting grunge. They boast some of the best vocals in town, which is even more wild considering they have three vocalists, no weak links, all powerhouses in their own right.
Logos The Poetic is an RVA native that has put some seriously unique sounds into the scene. He has a certain sense of extravagance and flourish that, paired with his exceptional lyricism, elevates him to a really dynamic position in the Richmond hip-hop scene. His 2023 album Death, The Fool is exceptional and shows off his talent against any variety of beats.
Gaffer is up next! This is one of the youngest and arguably most exciting acts in town right now. Their emo vulnerability paired with their punk rock fearlessness has already led them to great territory, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Habeeb is on now. He is a truly exceptional producer, with tunes that could fit any mood and can backdrop any style. In addition, he has rapping talent in spades. Super versatile, Habeeb can have you ready to start the night or soundtrack the drive home.
Lastly, we got Madison Turner, a songwriter who has reached her hand into just about everything. Broadly, she is alternative, but certainly has sweet moments of folk, loud punk fits, and ska swings. There is no telling what Turner will bring, but I can promise it’ll be catchy and powerful.
Nana Grizol, Dead Billionaires, Julie Karr
Sunday, September 13th at Gallery 5
Hailing from Georgia is Nana Grizol. They are Athens natives, and as per usual with bands from that magical town, the group are skilled songwriters and have developed a low-key and easygoing indie pop sound. They also have comparable sounds and ambitions to the Elephant 6 Collective that calls Athens one of its strongest bases. Nana Grizol sways into folk and emo as they delve through six albums dating as far back as 2008.
There is a certain storytelling element to them that reminds the listener of a familiar yet nonexistent diner or cafe where they meet a stranger, a passerby, and hear stories of a different life, one that is foreign but ultimately relatable.
Dead Billionaires fit right in here. These local rockers have a bit of a folk-punk chip to them, but are no strangers to straying themselves; their recent single is an upbeat and dancey ska number that still has that classic Dead Billionaires political sensibility. I think this act complements the former with their unique and down-to-earth storytelling, fireside manner.
Julie Karr is last up. Karr originates in the Gainesville, Florida, tight-knit music scene but has brought their dynamic songwriting presence to RVA. They can get things slow and teary, they can get things loud and moving. They have a bit of it all, but I am especially blown away by some fantastic vocal performances that I find quite moving (see “shit happens and then you live”).
NEW TUNES
“What’d You Say” by Fonville x Fribush
Local jazz act Fonville x Fribush have been putting out some of the most interesting and immersive jazz releases in town this year. The group is absolutely stacked to the gills with talent, and their new single, “What’d You Say,” shows how well they are able to slide you into another world with a tune.
It comes ahead of their album Blue Collar Jazz, which is set to release in early October. It is a really clean piece that feels like a message and a reclined club couch all at once. Some bands bounce off of each other to get to the same point, but this group is hitting the road together, driving hard in the same direction.
Main photo The Bouncing Souls by Alex Ilyadis
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