Francine is back, maybe it’s all going to be okay. The city is healing, the magic of fall in the air. Get out in the sun before it packs up for the year. Good shows all around, can’t go wrong.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.
The National
Thursday, October 9th
Peach Pit, Miya Folick
Vancouver indie legends Peach Pit are at The National this week. They capture a really romantic interpretation of common life, pointing out the magic and beauty in the everyday. The vocals maintain the presence of a narrator—more of an internal monologue than a character’s dialogue, which leads to some really beautiful moments.
I love getting lost in the kelp forest that is the Peach Pit guitars. They’re not heavy; they simply wave carelessly in the current of the song. You can walk between the notes and chords as you explore the sharps and diminishes of a slow ballad like “Tommy’s Party.” The cold weather is setting in, but this ought to warm you up a bit.
Joining the bill is L.A. singer-songwriter Miya Folick. Folick perfectly balances sweet, high, and direct vocals with reverberating, echoing instrumentation. She moves easily between slower, vulnerable numbers and dancey, upbeat tunes. Her sound has broad appeal and won’t disappoint the masses.
The Broadberry
Saturday, october 11th
Dogpark, Rehash
NYC’s Dogpark is back in RVA! Their sound is so irrefutably New York. You can hear Strokes and other early 2000s inspirations, but they also have the capability for very funky rhythm sections. The vocals are extremely commanding and up front, they demand attention. There’s a bright, lively energy to this band that translates to pure fun. Last time they were here was at Brown’s Island, but I think an indoor club show will be an even better experience.
Rehash is a really exciting band to see on this bill. This young Florida quartet has seen incredible reactions since the release of their debut album in 2023. They dropped their third album in June and have already made an impressive mark on American music. Their sound is universally appealing, reminiscent of groups like Summer Salt, Foxygen, and The Slaps, all in that line of interesting, almost jazzy takes on indie without overcomplicating it.
The Camel
Friday October 10th
Horsehead, The Gone Ghosts, Rotoglow
Horsehead are true Richmond classics. Made up of long-time Richmonders, the quartet delivers authentic classic rock with a southern edge that feels deeply tied to our little town. I especially like when they veer into a power-pop direction, like on the track “Emptiest Arms in the World.” That’s real Richmond music history right there. While I haven’t seen the group live, I can speak very highly of Ricky Tubb as a performer.
Coming up from North Carolina, we have The Gone Ghosts. These guys are a whole lot of fun and come from a similar southern rock background, though with a bit more emphasis on lyricism, the vocals sit front and center. This band are storytellers, and their story sure is catchy.
Rotoglow rounds out the bill, and I love where they’re coming from. They often take things slow, easing you into a song before delivering a powerful, full, and rich chorus. I have to say, I’m quite taken with “Embers and Ashes” off their newest EP.
New Tunes
“Concrete” by Jonathan Facka and Thalia Tymowski
Concrete is the new collaboration between local singers Jonathan Facka and Thalia Tymowski. It’s an acoustic journey through youth, romance, and life itself. Their voices blend beautifully, flowing together like a river of melody. The lyrics trace a path of acceptance and perseverance—pushing forward, no matter how rocky the road gets.
“BALDER!” by Tight Rope
Richmond’s post-punk sons may not be active on the live show front, but they dropped two new songs this week to tide us over. Tight Rope’s latest release, BALDER!, is some of their best work yet. The song is dramatic and atmospheric—something that could easily score Blade Runner. The off-kilter rhythm guitar builds an underlying tension and unease, while the lead line guides the listener forward. As ever, the vocals are unmatched. Nothing can touch these damn vocals.
Main photo of Peach Pit
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