It seems like these next few weeks are packed with packed bills. We’ve got fests, big 4 band bills, and for the folks that can’t stay out too late, we got the classic 3 band situation. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com.
Gallery 5 | Friday, september 13th, 2024
Roughshod, Dropheads, LA Dies, Dogfuck
Roughshod feels like rockers sent back in time from the future. Their track “12 Days” takes you on a sonic journey past a couple of distant stars. Lyrically, it is an intimate and open look at the depths one can reach while fighting the demons that snap around your head like flies. The vocals are cold, but it’s the type of cold you feel when you first step outside on a November morning. It wakes you up and makes you see all the sharp angles in the world around you.
I feel like Richmond needs more bands with a surf feel. Dropheads seem to fill that void with their blend of psychedelic, surf, and traditional rock. Their newest single feels like what modern greasers should be rocking. Hailing from a distant corner of VA is L.A. Dies, who master longing in the vocals and change in the guitars. If you caught Archer Oh at The National a few months ago, you’ll really dig these guys—ethereal explorers with an impressive range.
Dogfuck is a local rapper and producer with a sense of humor and a clean sound. Their delivery is excellent and has an incredible, fluid, and slippery feel.
The Camel | Saturday, September 14th, 2024
Sweet Touch, Danger Birds, It Is
Sweet Touch is a new and exciting local duo that seems to have emerged at just the right time. It almost feels like if Charli XCX was listening to Glenn Miller before putting out BRAT. The beats are full of updated nostalgia and dream, a tunnel to get lost in. This is the kind of music that sounds like a light show—bright and flashing, with little lasers catching your eyes as they descend through the sound.
A bit more physical is Danger Birds. They are absolutely reviving the sentiments of Bowie and Reed with their glam-inspired indie rock. They have a killer lead guitar that rides a Harley over the rhythm, and you’re on the back with wind in your hair.
Now It Is meets you on the opposite end of the spectrum—no roads or streets, just pure space and sea. Their songs encompass a vast amount of physical space. There’s plenty of room to float and bounce against the dynamically dutiful bass, which deepens the music from just being a rock song to something groovier.
NEW TUNES
’18 Years’ by Lilah Moons
This one came my way via a heart-warmed friend eager to pass along the cardiac heat—a friend who couldn’t help but share their friend’s talent. The album’s titular song captures the ups and downs of a free spirit, a character making her way into the big, unknown world. It’s characterized by a bouncy, twangy guitar that rocks like a paddle boat down a stream, guiding a gentle hum you can’t help but join. This song came to me through love and hope, which feels perfectly fitting for this track.
‘You Can’t Win / Too Young to Die’ by Wetwork
This kind of feels like if a bulldog or pit bull made music. The hardcore vocals are thick and heavy, contrasting perfectly with some killer guitar that leans a bit more metal. There’s some excellent phrasing in this song that takes you through various crumbling corners of society.
Imports
‘Wannabe’ by Le Bang
Since the second I first heard it, this one has been on non-stop. It’s poppy, direct, and irresistibly sing-along-able. Somehow, this song makes me feel like a spy, like a high-society art viewer, like I’m slipping into an underground club to bop along to a band that’s about to be huge—Le Bang.
Main photo by @brperkinson
