I’m celebrating this weekend by going to a million shows and drinking a billion beers. It’s going to be a super hot weekend, so make sure you’re working in some water between events!
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at [email protected].
Shagwüf, Human Worm, The Smirks, Cyber Twin
FriDAY July 3rd at banditos
It seems like Banditos is going to be the place to be this holiday weekend. Some of Richmond’s finest are on this bill to raise some money for Richmond Community Legal Fund, an organization that helps deliver legal support to those who might not have the means on their own. If the first name on the bill is Shagwüf and that doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what will. This trio has got it all. It’s hard-hitting rock, wild and weird glam, and spacey, spicy psychedelic. They never fail to deliver a memorable show and an uplifting message. If you’re looking for some stadium-worthy performances, Shagwuf is your group.
Now we got Human Worm, one of the coolest synth acts around town. They’re somewhere in the middle of garage rock and indie pop, with powerhouse vocals from every member. They’ll get you moving, they’ll get you crying. What more can you ask for?
Speaking of dancing, we have The Smirks. These are some damn punk rockers right here. They hit like a truck and keep going. If you are into that broad Epitaph Records sound, you’ll love this group. They are going to be loud and fast, and you will not want to miss it.
Last up we have pop-punkers Cyber Twin. They’ve got a certain knack for catchy guitar riffs that you’ll still be hearing on the drive home. They’re jam-packed with energy and will really open things up and get the room jumping.
Los San Patricios, Bucko, Fields on Fire, Guzum
Saturday July 4th at Banditos
We have another great fundraiser at ’Ditos. Can you believe it? This lot has come together to raise money for the Prairieland Defendants, a group of protesters who were arrested and are facing decades in prison for charges as simple as distributing zines.
Leading the charge at this show is Los San Patricios. Now this may be a new sentence, but this group is Irish-Mexican trad punk fusion. If that doesn’t get asses in the door, then I don’t know music. They have yet to release any tunes, but every member is a skilled player in their own right, and they seem to have a real fire in them. This one is going to be special, so make sure you’re there.
Next we have Richmond’s beloved Bucko. The group is fresh off their sophomore album and has never been in better shape. Their country/grunge sound is being pushed even further, and it is really showing off their talent as songwriters and instrumentalists. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but you have to see these guys while they’re still playing smaller clubs. One day they’re going to be headlining festivals, and you’ll say, “I saw them on the Fourth of July at Banditos.” This band has quickly become a Richmond staple, and I think it’s easy to see why.
Fields on Fire is self-described as “old-time mountain gothic,” which says more than I ever could. It looks like this project comes from Clover Lynn (also of Clover Lynn and the Hellfires). It should settle into some real hazy Appalachian fog.
Last up we have Guzum, a mythical and mystical group that has been making the rounds through Richmond lately. They’re all veterans of the scene and are more than capable musicians. If you’re looking for some good all-around rock, go catch Guzum.
Black Country, New Road, Horsegirl
Tuesday July 2nd at The National
British art rockers Black Country, New Road are on the big stage this week. They were a cornerstone of the Windmill scene in England, the movement that has given us some of the best and most creative contemporary groups. BCNR is definitely on the more experimental side of that pool, but it has really helped distinguish itself as the leader of its own subset of the modern UK post-punk/post-rock scene. This is a band that’s definitely going to go down in the history books, so check ’em out while they’re in their prime.
Closing out this week we have Horsegirl. They are significant players in their own scene, hailing from Chicago and playing a mix of indie rock and jangle pop. Those are words you will hear with increasing frequency over the next few years, I believe. They have their moments of more avant-garde art rock, just as they have some absolutely choice pop melodies.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘Thread’ by Ostraca
Ostraca are out with their newest album, Thread. It has all the power and rage that you’d expect from these screamo frontrunners. It blitzes through each moment, veering into almost noise rock territory. Just as easily, the group also dives into slower, gentler tracks. I think these two sounds cover just about the full extent of sonic aggression, and they do both quite well. I think the slower, more ambient “Song for November” is my standout track on this record, but if you are into the harder stuff, just start at the top of the album.
Main photo of Shagwüf by Joey Wharton
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