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Tons of releases on this oh-so sweet Valentines weekend. There’s a whole lot to see this weekend so find some time between fancy dinners and champagne drenched nights to go see something.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Receiver, Tentative Decisions, Shagg Carpet, Kitty Corner
Friday, February 13th
The Camel
People of Richmond, we are gathered here today to celebrate the release of the debut Receiver EP. They recently released “Souvenir,” their debut single, and it is a treasure. I think a good comparison point for this band is the likes of Television and Magazine. They are filled with angular guitars and bouncing rhythms. The vocals of singer Jamie are passionate and pulled from deep places, and all this translates very well live. They put on a fantastic show to pair with the tight music, so you really do not want to miss this pre-Valentine’s Day show.
Joining the call center is Tentative Decisions This local post-punk group had a huge reaction from their debut album in 2024 and has helped inspire and usher in a whole wave of bands to go out and create some weird songs. I have always been a die-hard fan of theirs. With their groovy rhythms and catchy, witty lyrics, they are an easy one to love.
Next up we are looking at the poster child for the Military Entertainment Complex, Shagg Carpet. These guys first came on the scene with their debut album, BUGGED, that had a vivid and fantastic egg punk sound, an album that I played until the grooves were worn. More recently they released their sophomore album, Hurting Other People. This has led them into much more poppy yet surrealist territory, all while keeping their anarchist, oppositional tendencies. Their live shows are always nuts and are counted among my favorites in the city.
Last up we have Kitty Corner. The Kitties have become an unmissable group in the local DIY scene, and they have the talent to back it up. They are a bit emo and a bit punk and a whole lot of love. I think they have some of the most fantastic lyrics and delivery among any group and deserve nothing but attention.
TV Battle Stations, Jake the Dog, Doreen
Thursday, February 12th
Banditos
Another fantastic day to be a Richmonder. TV Battle Stations has released their debut EP. This pair of songwriters has reached the flow state with this release. The two are totally in tune with one another, and you can feel the friendship and camaraderie as they bounce off each other with touching lyrics and heartfelt moments. They have taken on a blend of indie rock and traditional country and western styles. What comes from that is a hazy and dreamy songscape that feels like any memory from your distant childhood. I think “Arson” is my standout track from the EP, as it captures such specific and vivid childlike experiences and realities.
Jake the Dog is also hot off a recent release. January saw them drop “Sunray,” a rocking and noisy party starter. These guys are a whole lot of fun and really know how to make you have a good time. Though I would not call them glam rock, they have a certain swagger and grandness to them that lends itself to that term. They are larger than life and keep churning out these bring-the-house-down hits.
Now we turn our attention to Doreen. Doreen is all about those gentle songwriter sounds. It’s gentle and subtle and comforting. There’s some really interesting lyricism in her work, and it provides a lot to unpack and dig into.
Bumpin Uglies, Madison Turner
Sunday, February 15th
The Broadberry
Got a little ska and reggae coming down from Maryland this week. Bumpin Uglies is a combo of the classic ’70s reggae sound with the ’90s addition of the laid-back, carefree American sound. They are all about making you feel loosey-goosey and light as a feather. Their goal is to make you float and lose touch with all the hardships of reality as you lose yourself in that boom-chuck-chuck guitar rhythm. They speak to all the partiers and ragers that just want to breathe.
I am always a happy camper when I see Madison Turner on a bill. Turner is a mix of all things alternative, with a hand in punk, ska, folk, and more. I find her music to have a lot of optimism and hope, even with the heavier songs. It captures the undying spirit of a rebel. It addresses the hardships and pushes through by sheer will and spite, check out the song “Arsonists & All Alone.” Turner’s music is pumping with heart, energy, and fun, and I think it will make a great show.
Mdou Moctar (solo), Brookhouse
Friday, February 13th
Richmond Music Hall
Super special show at everyone’s favorite local music hall. Mdou Moctar will be performing a solo set. If you are not familiar, Mdou Moctar is a Nigerian guitarist and singer. He is one of the most interesting guitar players I have ever laid ears on. His sound is a mix of regional Tuareg guitar and psychedelic rock. He usually tours with a full band, but this time he will be solo, and I do not think we are missing out. His guitar playing is so intricate and fascinating that I think this presentation will provide a really special experience to get it in full.
Joining Mdou Moctar is local act Brookhouse performing a duo set. Brookhouse has a really unique sound that blends rock and more Latin-style jazz, and it is some of the most danceable music I have ever heard. It gets you moving in ways you never thought were possible. I think performing as a duo will really showcase some amazing lyrics. Brookhouse has quite the gift in that department, and you will get it unbridled when you hear songs like “American Sounds.”
New Tunes
‘Crossroads‘ by The Sunslingers
The debut single by The Sunslingers is out now, and it is pure train-hopping music. It is rich with a Deep South swing of blues and folk, with hints of Appalachian and rockabilly sprinkled in. The fiddle really takes the cake on this song for me. It blares away on those choruses to add to the anxiety that the vocals tell fireside. Overall, they really sell the storytelling aspect of the song. The singer tells about a demon that has his “name and under” and tries “to bring him under.” They really capture that feeling of running and uncertainty as the protagonist weighs his options. This is a great debut, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this group.
‘Neighborhood Well‘ by Sundials
Okay, so technically this is not a new song. This is an old Sundials tune that was lost in the sands of time but recently resurfaced and remastered. It is from their first 7-inch, and it has their classic personal closeness. The main chord progression is just so damn compelling. It is absolutely teeming with life. You can feel the sweat falling from foreheads and the heat perforating off the walls as you listen to it. This is a choice tune, and I am glad to see it back available.
Main photo of Bumpin Uglies by Ryan Jacquot
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