It is simply a great time to be a Richmond music fan. This week we have great touring bands, revivals of older groups, and an abundance of new music coming from the blank generation. As everyone prepares for the holidays, travel, and the expected rotation of Christmas music, treat yourself to something out of the ordinary.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.
The National
Thursday, December 5th
Dexter and the Moonrocks, Liam St. John, Cigarettes @ Sunset
Dexter and the Moonrocks are self described “western space grunge” which is a pretty accurate sum. Hailing from Texas, these guys are a south western twist on the indie rock that has been so defining for this era. They are full of relatable lyrics wrapped up in catchy hooks that seem to perfectly capture the confusing early adult world that never quite makes sense, but that’s okay, because even if it is confusing, Dexter and the Moonrocks are right in the same boat as you and I.
Liam St. John is joining the fray with lyric driven songs, very reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Sr. He has a very classic and powerful southern voice that bounces on top of a simple guitar set up. If there is a modern series of country outlaws, I could easily see him taking a prominent spot. Cigarettes @ Sunset are an Appalachian conglomerate of friends. They are wielding a very triumphant sound, characterized by a sharp string section and honest vocals. The group is very versatile with instrumentation, as soon as you think you understand the sound, they highlight a new feature and you are right back learning all about them.
The Camel
Saturday, November 30th
Modern Groove Syndicate, Mekong Xpress & the Get Fresh Horns
Modern Groove Syndicate’s name kinda says it all. This funky outfit has been an important part of the Richmond musical lore, with some serious attention in the 2000’s. Every piece of this group is rotating at 10,000 RPM, rocketing you into a series of scattered and fluid dance moves. My standout track of theirs is “Soul Prostitution” which feels like a funk rave, where people are bouncing off the walls and jumping between ceiling beams.
They are being joined by Mekong Xpress & the Get Fresh Horns. This local music collective is a space age journey. They make you feel like you have your feet propped up in front of a grand window, watching a dark night be slowly lit up by orange lights in the city. These guys are for the lovers.
Richmond Music Hall
Saturday, November 30th
Kavlick, Halfcast, Skellebox
I love to see 3 Virginia bands rocking the Music Hall. Kavlick, out of Fredericksburg, is celebrating the release of their new album “Retrieval” which came out earlier this month. They have a very accessible sound, with hints of every different style of rock making an appearance.
Halfcast is similarly easy to get along with, while leaning slightly in a more proggy direction. I love how they use some staccato to really drive a song forward. They are in their home turf being Richmond based.
Lastly we have Skellebox who are coming from up NOVA way. They are a bit heavier and dirtier with some very 90’s inspired vocals and bass. They are able to whip up a very big sound which I think will translate very well live.
Buy your tickets HERE!
New Tunes
‘Riding Mower’ by Bucko
I have been hearing this one live for a while and I am so happy it is on paper. Riding Mower is Bucko’s newest single, and it is a masterclass in imagery and storytelling. The song is all about wanting to grow old with the one you love, to make even the most mundane beautiful, because it is shared. The song showcases the versatility in these country rockers’ sound, with the chorus crashing heavily and dramatically, then quick;ly returning to a soft cello and almost whispered vocals.
‘Live TV’ by Tentative Decisions
Huge time to be a Tentative fan as this single went out with the announcement of their first full length album. Sample’s lyrics just keep getting better and better, and their sound is sharper than ever. Each song is tight and controlled but still has an underlying chaos that excites. This is the third single in preparation for their album and the ideas and themes seem to really be coming together, a statement of modern electric life.
Import bin
‘South Star’ by Renny Conti
I recently got to see Renny Conti play with his band Hut in a remote corner of the Catskill mountains and fell in love with the songwriting. Upon some intense journalistic exploring (sharing a cigarette outside the venue) I found out he recently released a new solo single. ‘South Star‘ has elements of John Prine’s lyricism but with a much more rocking twist. I think fans of Bucko will really resonate with this passionate country, rock, indie sound.
