This week I am looking at three shows that could not be less similar in my eyes. There is a sharp contrast of energy and volume between the bands, a little bit of this and I dare say a little bit of that. I was not totally familiar with a lot of these artists and I am glad I have made some new discoveries, hopefully you have to! Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at Griffin@rvamag.com.
Virginia Credit Union Live | Friday August 16th
Primus, Coheed and Cambria
The first time I ever saw friends in a band was in the basement of a butcher shop in Fredericksburg Va. My friends assured me I would love their opening cover. That song was none other than “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver“. The sheer confusion of it all introduced me to Primus. The iconically strange and experimental group will be playing a big one on Friday. Everytime I listen to them my entire focus is brought onto the bass of Les Claypool, a genius, a visionary, possibly a freak. I will wholeheartedly put money that you could not zone out at this show. With all the talent of a band like Rush, but the humor and cleverness of an episode of SNL, Primus goes hard, weird, and if you call yourself a music fan you gotta give them a try.
Coheed and Cambria have a similarly extensive set of albums on this side of the century. They have an absolute sense of cinema to them, dramatic and hard hitting. It is metallic, progressive, and broadly appealing. For being prog they are still incredibly catchy and can quickly switch from harsh and angry to sweet sounding. The guitars are the real standout for me, they are driving and creative and fill your gut.
Broadberry | Saturday August 16th
Tophouse, Leah Marlene
I have recently found the need for bluegrass like a rich man needs more money. I have struck oil with finding Tophouse. The quad currently based in Nashville (naturally) makes such interesting use of the traditional set of country/folk instrument lineup. William Cook is making the best use of the violin I have heard in quite a long while. He has a unique ability to reach the sentiments of the past while still using it as a driving force, like a lead guitar. “Drive Back Home” is a clinic on versatility. I am sure that this group is pulling influences like a magician pulls rabbits. I see obvious connections to modern country (especially the current Nashville sound), but also Irish traditional tunes, and even rock icons like Bowie. A band with proof.
Leah Marlene is opening the show up. You may recognize her from her intense run on American Idol. Since then, she has put out a number of releases that showcase the voice that got her so far on the show. She is definitely a songwriter, someone who knows how to craft a tune to perfection, how to guide the listener along. Her music almost reminds me of a musical, with the impressive vocal range and clever story telling lyrics.
The Camel Friday August 16th
JAKE THE DOG EP RELEASE W/ DOUBLE BLIND AND KNIFING AROUND
On their way with new tools is local energetic rockers Jake The Dog. The locals, brandishing the name of the famous yellow cartoon hero*, have an absolute summer sound. Their current releases are warming and easy. The current singles make this heat reasonable, with these guys on you aren’t sweltering in your car, you are cruising down the street, windows down, shades up. The guitars are incredibly bright and the bass is intelligent and clever, the overall sound is polished and grinning. There is almost a hint of southern rock but that is for you to decide. I am excited to see if their new songs stay in the same season.
Double Blind has a really satisfying heavy sound. The vocals are up front and personal which I am always a fan of. The guitars have drama and heft to ‘em, but it does not feel overly intimidating whatsoever. Simply put I feel tough listening to them and I cannot say I am an overly tough person, but listening to these guys I could take on anyone. Knifing Around is going to appeal to anyone that has been riding the wave of more abstract art punk that seems to be seeping from New York lately. These guys are making the sound local, with the addition of a trumpet to really set them apart. I caught their set at 804 days as they blasted sound at the incoming storm minutes before the festival was shut down, the last chopper out of Saigon.
* ed note: Little known fact —Jake The Dog, the band, is named after our friend Brandon Crowe’s dog, Jake, who passed away a few years ago. Jake was a beloved member of our magazine team, and his spirit lives on through the band’s name.
New Tunes
Sanctuary by Mavi Taylor
The newest single from an eternal Richmonder, “Sanctuary” is consistent with the modern pop sound, but very clearly pulls from the soft indie that thrives in local clubs. It is sweet, close, and sincere. You can hear the growth of the Mavi, and not in a purely sonic sense, you can hear peace in the individual. This song is a sunset
Eraserhead by Dayfiction
As their second single of the summer, Dayfiction just put out “Eraserhead“, a drum driven and dynamite distorted rocker. The song is nothing but energy, energy, and energy. I would not quite say it is “post” any genre, but it seems to push the limits of modern rock in a good direction. I hope this build up gives us a new album.
