Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Cor De Lux, Snack Truck, Shagg Carpet
Sunday, April 26th
Get Tight Lounge
This is an exciting one. North Carolina’s Cor De Lux has been on my radar for some time now. They are a mix of post punk and dreamy pop. Regardless of what you want to call them, they are exciting and sharp. Dynamic drums, hyper bass, and nervous guitars will keep you dancing, while a swirl of vocals draws you into a tunnel of lights flashing through thick fog. The group has a great blend of political and surrealist lyricism, and when they combine them, it is quite electric. I think these guys are one of the most exciting acts from North Carolina right now, definitely worth making it out to this show.
I never miss a chance to see Shagg Carpet. They are one of Richmond’s wildest and weirdest, with the masked singer Rook turning into some sort of crazed preacher on stage, spouting off about the end of the world. Sonically, they are one of the most creative and fluid bands in the scene. Their debut record was a fantastic rock album, but their sophomore record has shown them to have quite the pop sensibilities when the time arises.
Lastly, we are looking at Snack Truck. This group is made up of some serious veterans of the scene. They dive into noisy and mathy territory and are prepared to put on a loud, in-your-face show.
The Thing, The Barons, Twin Films
Saturday, April 25th
The Broadberry
NYC garage rockers The Thing are coming down for a nice Saturday in RVA. Like any New York guitar group should be, they are scrappy and energetic, waxing poetry and riffs into vivid scenes. They know how to land a huge anthem and can quickly pull it back into something closer and more intimate. They can write a catchy pop riff, then jump right back into pure garage glory. This seems like a really exciting act and should be a great show.
Joining them is local pop rockers The Barons. They always put on a good show at The Broadberry and are no strangers to its pillared room. Their sound is catchy and melodic, with a whole lot of earworms in their discography.
They will also be joined by Twin Films. T.F.’s shows are always a pure party. They are wild and fully in it, with the crowd becoming one solid mass of movement. Their dual vocals are electrifying and consistently impressive.
Pressing Strings, Madly Backwards
Friday, April 24th
The Camel
Some gentle Americana is rolling across the bay from Maryland, taking a moment to smell the roses and pollen of Richmond, Virginia. Pressing Strings is full of sweet guitar and tender lyricism. They have a way of making you feel held and secure, like bringing a blanket out to the porch on a windy day. They may be north of DC, but they still carry a certain Southern charm and ease. There is still some dogwood in their sound, those free-flowing pale flowers in each song.
They’ve got a local on the bill in the form of Madly Backwards. M.B. is a combination of modern indie and ‘60s pop sounds. It is bright and it is fun. There is a certain innocence to it all. You find a Beach Boys level of chill in songs like “Summer Denim” that really gets you ready for summer. This is good music to blast on that first river day when it is finally warm enough.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘Driving Southbound’ by Sami Gardner
Today we are looking at the fourth release by Virginia singer-songwriter Sami Gardner. “Driving Southbound” is a heartfelt and personal tune, anchored by Gardner’s powerful Southern vocal. The country and indie accompaniment is laid back, serving as the landscape around the metaphorical car heading south. There are some really great lines in this one, painting with bright, vivid colors.
NEW RVA MUSIC VIDEOs
“Kiss the mirror” by Dylan Barrows
Main photo: The Thing
Support RVA Magazine. Support Independent Media in Richmond.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated among corporations and the uber wealthy, RVA Magazine has remained one of Richmond’s few independent voices. Since 2005, the magazine has provided grassroots coverage of the city’s artists, musicians, and communities, documenting the culture that defines Richmond beyond the headlines.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2, one-time or recurring, helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
We’ve got merch HERE
Subscribe to the Substack HERE
And Reddit HERE
And YouTube HERE
