Out of towners from far and wide this week. Got some reggae in town this week which is always exciting. Not too much reggae in RVA if you know sumthin I don’t, tap me in.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Teen Suicide, Cloud Nothings, University
Sunday, May 24th
Richmond Music Hall
American indie pop hotshots Teen Suicide are at Richmond Music Hall this week. The duo have nailed a personal and poppy sound filled with a mix of poetry and diary entries paired over bright, bouncy instrumentals. They have tons of tunes that will make you grab a loved one and spin until you both keel over laughing, along with plenty of others that will leave you huddled by your bedroom window, counting stars for companionship.
The name feels quite apt. Their music seems frozen in those late years of youth where everything is exciting and terrifying at the same time. They definitely have some range, so I would count on at least a few harder-hitting tunes that make you feel like revving the engine.
Next up, we are getting a bit more rockin’ with Cloud Nothings. The group is definitely rooted in indie rock, but there are strong ‘90s grunge and alternative influences that bring you back to the days when the car windows were always rolled down. Cloud Nothings are a great example of a garage rock group with serious pop sensibilities.
Last up, we have a couple Brits that go by the name UNIVERSITY. I have to say, I think this is the first British emo I have ever heard, but it is quite good. The band leaves the vocals scattered and distant while filling in the gaps with amazing guitar work that dares to branch into more experimental territory than the genre usually permits.
Charm Offensive, Rikki Rakki, Black Plastic
Saturday, May 23rd
Get Tight Lounge
Charm Offensive is planning a good night this weekend to celebrate their next single, “Go.” The group is still relatively fresh off their April single “Something Good,” which is caked in a thick, hazy atmosphere where some incredibly strong vocals drift around your shoulders. I think their new sound is really strong. It keeps in line with the incredible musicianship showcased on their debut EP, while also showing some serious growth in songwriting. I am excited to see what “Go” has to offer, and we can only hope there is an album at the end of this tunnel.
Joining the bill is the classic local act Rikki Rakki. Their indie, dreamy, rock ’n’ roll sound is always a joy. The group seems to ooze an optimism that is often hard to find in guitar music. Their live shows are just as lovely as their recorded sound, so never miss a Rikki Rakki bill.
Now we turn to another local act that is dreamy and fuzzy, Black Plastic. The group has been around for some time and has refined a really great mix of jangle and jagged edges. They are rooted in rock for sure, but they also have the instinct to push the sound into more experimental and interesting directions.
Studio One Dub Reggae Project featuring The Cables
Friday, May 22nd
Révéler Experiences
Alright, this one may be a bit niche, but it has me more excited than nearly anything I have ever covered. The legendary Jamaican rocksteady/reggae act The Cables are playing the close-quarters room at Révéler this Friday. The vocal trio are part of the early foundation of the genres, first forming in the early 1960s. The group eventually became a staple of the immensely iconic reggae label and recording hub Studio One.
It is hard to overstate how important this group, and the sound they helped shape, has been to modern music. If you are lucky enough to get into this one, I think you are going to leave pretty pleased.
NEW RVA TUNES
Virginia by Villagerrr, Hotspit
This is a really cool one right here. Hotspit had solidified themselves thoroughly in the indie rock scene here in town for quite some time; the group announced their last show in March which was met with a heartbroken reaction from Richmonders near and far. The group is not gone yet it seems, as they collaborated with Ohio band Villagerrr. The track, “Virginia” is a dreamy and soft walk through long grass, a couple clouds and soft wind. If you have been into this western expansion that american music has been onto over the last few years, you’ll be into this one.
Main photo of Teen Suicide
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