RVA Shows You Must See This Week: January 8 – January 14
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Wednesday, January 8, 7 PM
X-Cops, Belushi Speed Ball, U.S. Bastards @ Richmond Music Hall at Capital Ale House – $20 (order tickets HERE)
GWAR has been an institution within Richmond music for four decades now — a crude, bloody institution, but an institution nonetheless. While they’ve always portrayed themselves as bloodthirsty aliens, the truth is that the shifting collective known as The Slave Pit are first and foremost extremely creative artists and musicians with a penchant for transgression. GWAR is by far their most famous creation, but a variety of other bands have come out of that world, from GWAR forerunners Death Piggy to side projects like Mensrea and the Dave Brockie Experience. Back in the mid-90s, another band briefly emerged from the GWAR extended universe: the X-Cops. Inspired when guitarist Peter Lee (then portraying Flattus Maximus in GWAR) was shot during a failed carjacking attempt, the original incarnation featured Lee, late GWAR frontman Dave Brockie, and drum tech Mike Dunn wearing police uniforms and portraying classic power-hungry cops playing raging rock n’ roll with an authoritarian message.
X-Cops stuck around for a few years back then, and released an LP entitled You Have the Right To Remain Silent… in 1995, but within a few years, the project had run its course. However, the “Bad Boys of Law Enforcement” returned to action last year, first as an opening act for GWAR (a role they often played during their first period of activity) and now with a new EP, brilliantly entitled XCAB. While Peter Lee is still a core member of the group, the role of the rhythm section is now played by former Darkest Hour/Iron Reagan members Paul Burnette and Ryan Parrish. And of course, several other GWAR members are involved in various roles (though they of course will deny everything), leading to a live presentation involving close to a dozen rampaging rock n’ roll maniacs in police uniforms demanding that you respect their authority… or else!
If you enjoy GWAR’s always transgressive approach and think you’d appreciate hearing it aimed at satirizing brutal police behavior overtop of a hard-charging rock n’ roll soundtrack, X-Cops are definitely for you. Considering they’ve been largely defunct for most of the past 30 years, a lot of you probably didn’t get a chance to catch them the first time; if that’s you, you’ll definitely want to head out to Richmond Music Hall tonight and satiate your craving for justice! They’ll be joined on this bill by Louisville-based speedy hardcore punk band Belushi Speed Ball, whose goofy spirit is summed up by songs like “My Favorite Color Is Pizza” and “The Hash Slinging Slasher,” both of which come from their latest album, Stellkira. By the way, if you’re old enough to get the reference from this band’s name, you’re probably also old enough to have seen X-Cops the first time (I definitely am, on both counts). Veteran Richmond rampagers U.S. Bastards, featuring former GWAR axeman Brent Purgason, will open up with a set of wild Poison Idea-style rollicking hardcore punk n’ roll. This night is going to be a blast from one end to the other, so get ready for some gnarly police action that, for once, won’t put you at risk for jail time.
Wednesday, January 8, 7 PM
Woman Crush Wednesday, feat. Sarah Dell, Miriam Kagan-Dubroff, Cokewine @ The Camel – $10 (order tickets HERE)
What better way to start another year of great Richmond music than with the first Woman Crush Wednesday edition of 2025? Bri Bevan’s long-running showcase of women and trans musicians rolls into yet another year of awesomeness, in which we will get our first taste of another bumper crop of musicians on the come-up — some of which you’ll be seeing in much bigger venues six months to a year from now. This first edition is headlined by Sarah Dell, a newcoming Richmond-based singer-songwriter who released her first single, “Preoccupied,” last summer. Her bio says “happy girl in the summer, sad girl in the winter,” and even though “Preoccupied” came out back in August, its melancholy mood is much more fitting for our current weather and overall situation. Dell’s minimalist acoustic sound and lovely vocals perfectly chime with our snowy outdoor environs this week; she’s definitely a very fitting headliner for this week’s showcase.
We’ll also get a set from Miriam Kagan-Dubroff, who doesn’t appear to have released any music of her own, but does currently lead a band called Silent Fight, who are based in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY — home of Bard College, where Miriam is currently matriculating. (I believe we have winter break to thank for her opportunity to play a solo set here in RVA, though don’t quote me on that.) Silent Fight has a bit of an indie-emo sound that I definitely find appealing; that said, I’m not all that sure what resemblance their music will bear to the solo set Miriam will bring us, but there’s clearly a lot of talent here, so it’s safe to say that we can expect lovely things. The bill is rounded out by Cokewine, who are a duo with connections to the band known as JIM, who released an EP called Cokewine back in 2018. Is this a new incarnation of the same band? A stripped-down acoustic project by some members of JIM? I can’t really tell you for sure, but if the sound is anything like that of JIM, we’ll get some charming, bouncy indie-folk tunes out of this duo, which should start the evening off on a positive note. If you’re looking to chase away the wintertime blues and feel some warmth in your soul, you’ll definitely want to come to this one.
Thursday, January 9, 7 PM
Sheer Terror, Sacrificial Betrayal, Private Hell, Dead Horse Theory @ Another Round Bar And Grill – $20 in advance, $25 at the door (order tickets HERE)
It’s pretty wild to realize that legendary New York hardcore reprobates Sheer Terror are celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band this year (I’m sure there are some of out here who are feeling pretty damn old at the realization). But even if it did take until 1989 for Sheer Terror to release their legendary debut album, Just Can’t Hate Enough, their first incarnation really did come together at the tail end of 1984, making the 40th anniversary tour that’s coming to Richmond’s Another Round Bar and Grill this Thursday night right on time. Sheer Terror made a name for themselves as the 80s gave way to the 90s by innovating a new approach to hardcore — heavier, tougher, and more brutal. While some might say they set the table for the 90s beatdown sound (and its many subsequent revivals), Sheer Terror retain the speed of earlier hardcore, and integrate some truly unique elements as well — especially vocalist/founder/only constant member Paul Bearer’s occasional side-trips into operatic baritone crooning. It’s always a bit of a surprise, but it’s never out of place, even if no band that has followed in Sheer Terror’s footsteps has ever been able to pull it off with anywhere near as much aplomb as the originators did.
Sheer Terror don’t release new music all that often these days (though they did show off their strong sense of hardcore punk history with 2024’s UK8? EP, featuring covers of classic UK punk tunes by the Partisans, the UK Subs, and Discharge), but their groundbreaking early LPs have given them a sterling reputation as hardcore legends, and vocalist Paul Bearer still gives his all to every performance, making them an essential band to catch on the infrequent occasions when they come through Richmond. In fact, as I write this, word has it that there are very few tickets left for this shindig, so if you don’t have yours yet, you better lock them down ASAP! Go click that link up there at the top of this blurb now. If you’re not entirely convinced yet, opening sets by crossover-thrashers Sacrificial Betrayal, rip-roaring metallic hardcore speed freaks Private Hell, and brutal death moshers Dead Horse Theory should give you plenty of additional reasons to grab your ticket and arrive on time. Don’t miss this one — you won’t see its like anytime soon!
Friday, January 10, 7 PM
Archael, Appalling, Recently Vacated Graves: True Zombie Metal, Burning Shadows, Invictis @ Another Round Bar And Grill – Price TBA
We’re heading back to Another Round this Friday night, and while this show isn’t as redolent with history and legend as the Lakeside bar’s Thursday night offering, it’s just as full of brilliance and brutality — and at a more economical price point! (Having said that, I’m actually not sure what the door price will be at this one; I imagine $20 will more than cover it though.) This night is headed up by two brilliant metal bands that are brought to you by the letter A, Sesame Street-style. Not that you could expect to hear either Archael or Appalling on PBS at any hour of the day or night. The first of these, Archael, only have a few songs available online, but have apparently been around for nearly two decades. Hearing their totally intense approach to black metal, though, I can believe it — not only are their songs top-flight examples of the genre, but their devotion to the raw fury that marks the best black metal makes me totally believe that these guys are the sort of metal hermits who spend most of their time conducting secret rituals deep in the frozen woods, far from prying eyes. Let them cast their brutal spell on you this Friday night; you won’t regret it.
As for Appalling, this furious, death-tinged black metal combo has been haunting Richmond with their high-speed double-time guitar riffs, blasting drums, and howling vocal roar for quite a few years now — and they just keep getting better. They’ve most recently proven this with the release of Sacrilege, their haunting, scarring third album; it’s most memorable anthem is entitled “These People Need To Die,” and that’s the exact sort of sentiment you’d expect from a band with a sound this brutal and nihilistic. The combined powers of Appalling and Archael will certainly make this a night to remember for any black metal enthusiast. That being said, there are even more great bands on this bill, the first of which is Recently Vacated Graves: True Zombie Metal. The fact that they actually add the title of their 2004 debut LP to their band name shows a true commitment to the bit, and you can’t help but admire that, but none of it would matter if it weren’t for the fact that this DC band is every bit as gnarly and brutal as their name indicates they will be — and then some. Recent EP Musk Of Death has some hyperspeed black metal parts, but also mixes in some killer melodic death metal riffage, and always keeps the energy high and the tempo propulsive. Marylanders Burning Shadows will bring their dark version of power metal triumph into the mix as well, featuring a classic Maiden/Priest vocal approach that fits well with Mercyful Fate-style riffs and plenty of eldritch imagery straight out of Lovecraft. Opening things up will be symphonic power metallers Invictis, kicking things off on a triumphant note to get the whole evening rolling. It’s gonna be great.
Saturday, January 11, 7 PM
Roughshod, Shagwuf, Rikki Rakki, Girlspit @ Gallery 5 – $10 in advance, $12 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Now switching from our two-day stand at Another Round to inaugurate another two-day stand, this time at Gallery 5. From Lakeside to downtown, this city’s always got great tunes for you (even if sometimes it doesn’t have clean water… ugh). Saturday night’s Gallery 5 event is centered around the birthday of Cel, who provides their dulcet vocal tones to local group Roughshod. This combo has a raunchy rock vibe that pulls together their indie and punk bona fides into some killer tunes with a fun swagger. This show not only celebrates Cel’s birthday but also marks the release of the new Roughshod single, and while I haven’t heard it as I type this, their previous work makes me confident that it’ll sashay and stomp its way right into your heart. The fact that freaky Virginia faves Shagwuf are on this bill as well is very apropos, as they have a similar sort of alt/punk/rock swagger as that of Roughshod, complete with queer vibes. 2024’s Tres Animales (which I’m hoping is a reference to the ZZ Top album Tres Hombres — if it’s not don’t tell me) showed that they remain at the top of their game even over a decade after they hit the scene, and even brought in some very welcome glam/prog touches. Expect Shagwuf’s set at this Gallery 5 shindig to be every bit as essential as that of Roughshod.
The other two bands on this gig are just as essential for any fans of rad rock music from right here in Richmond. First up is Rikki Rakki, who’ve been one of the most excellent alt-rock bands to come out of this city so far this decade. We haven’t gotten any new music from them in a calendar year or so, and while the slab of sheer excellence that was Breaking Skin worked to tide us over for a long time, I for one am itching for some new jams from these folks. Fortunately, they’ve recently been hinting about some news coming soon — fingers crossed for at LEAST a new EP. For now, go rock this Saturday night to the jams you know so well. It’s sure to be a great time. Last on this bill, but far from least, is the synth-punk force of nature known as Girlspit, who leave an indelible mark on every show they play, what with their wild onstage hijinks and always memorable tuneage. They’ll have you shaking your booty the second they take the Gallery 5 stage, so get ready to start off the night on the good foot. This one will be amazing.
Sunday, January 12, 7 PM
Noah Pierre Band, Weekend Plans, Sweet Potatoes @ Gallery 5 – $12 in advance, $15 day of show (order tickets HERE)
One good night at Gallery 5 deserves another, so fortunately for us all, the ex-firehouse will be following up their excellent Saturday night with a Sunday full of amazing tunes. At the top of this bill is the Noah Pierre Band, a quintet that brings together jazz musicians from around the DMV area to mix jazz chops, soulful feel, and hard rock rhythms into an instrumental powerhouse. They followed up their excellent 2023 debut LP, Frames, with the recently released You Live Here EP, which is a delightful listen that this quintet will surely bring to life with aplomb once they hit the stage at Gallery 5. With its multi-genre approach and jazz foundation, the Noah Pierre Band makes music that should appeal to everyone from Butcher Brown heads to Dumb Waiter diehards. And certainly their sounds will be a lovely way to close out a January Sunday evening, sending us all to bed with smiles on our faces.
The other two groups on this bill are Richmond stalwarts in their own right. Weekend Plans bring a soulful feel to their horn-heavy arrangements, but this eight-piece group can’t be pinned down to a single genre, moving from funk bounce to R&B smoothness and jazz moods within the space of a single song. Recent single “Laundry” expresses a universal lament about what a pain it is to do chores, then uses stains on clothing and sheets as a complex metaphor for life’s trials and tribulations through the vehicle of a strong hip hop verse. This all-encompassing approach is what makes Weekend Plans such a great listen, and that’s exactly why their set this Sunday night will be such a blast for listeners. The evening is rounded out by a set from Sweet Potatoes, whose status as previous house band for Gallery 5 should make them familiar to many comers. However, if you haven’t encountered them as yet, what you need to know is that they are a guitar and violin-based band who integrate classic jazz, folk, and old-time elements into their music to create a sound that is both a throwback and very much of the moment. They’ll certainly put a smile on your face when they play, and that’s never a bad thing. Get ready for an evening that will be enjoyable from the first note of this show until the last.
Monday, January 13, 7:30 PM
Out Of Your Head Records presents Second Mondays feat. Skullcap, Scott Clark Landscape Trio @ Artspace Gallery – $15
I always enjoy seeing what the folks over at Out Of Your Head Records are cooking up for us on their monthly Second Mondays showcase. Even going in with a basic understanding of the way this label incorporates modern avant-garde jazz elements with the classic foundations of the genre, I never know quite what to expect, and I’m always fascinated by the results. They’re blowing my mind even more than usual this time around by bringing us a set from DC trio Skullcap, the members of which have a wide variety of credits from all sorts of different genres. Between them, cellist Janel Leppin, guitarist Anthony Pirog, and drummer Mike Kuhl have played with everyone from chamber-jazz group Ensemble Volcanic Ash to dark experimental folk musician Marissa Nadler to DC punk band the Messthetics. When such wide-ranging musical sensibilities come together, sparks are sure to fly, and you can expect no less from the meeting of the musical minds that will take place during Skullcap’s set at Artspace this Monday night. The group has a full-length album scheduled for release on Cuneiform Records sometime this year, but this show will offer a great sneak preview — one you won’t want to miss.
The second act of the evening will bring us yet another permutation of the endless creativity with which percussionist Scott Clark is always enriching this city. Performing this time with his Landscape Trio, he’s joined by two frequent collaborators: vocalist Laura Ann Singh and bassist/OOYH Records co-owner Adam Hopkins. The latest iteration of Clark’s always-evolving ensemble work, the Scott Clark Landscape Trio promises to bring us long-form songs augmented with effects pedals and mixed with improvisation aplenty. As is true with Second Mondays in general, you never know exactly what you’ll get from a new Scott Clark project, but you can always be sure it will be intriguing, unique, and memorable. For the length of its run, Second Mondays has been a great way to keep up with what OOYH co-owners Hopkins and Clark are up to from month to month, and this edition is no exception. Stay in step with some of the most fertile minds in the local jazz community; journey south of the James to Artspace and come to this show. You’ll be glad you did.
Tuesday, January 14, 7 PM
Moonroof, Skyler Foley, Sheetrock, Dietz & The Dilemmas @ The Camel – $10 in advance, $12 day of show (order tickets HERE)
As is so often true, I am grateful to the Camel once again when we draw closer to the end of this column. Only a few venues in this city bother to keep the music going on those quiet early-week nights, but you can always count on the Camel to have some killer sounds to bring you back around on even the quietest Tuesday night. This time around, they’re giving us a headlining set from Philadelphia indie pop ensemble Moonroof, who may be working within a genre that’s relatively popular these days, but manage to stand out nonetheless through sheer quality songwriting. Recent singles like “Bottle It Up,” “Talk To You,” and “Buzz” are a ton of fun and should act as strong pillars of their set when the band takes the Camel stage this Tuesday night. Come to this one ready to dance, because these guys are sure to have you moving your feet.
A trio of Virginia-based talents will round out the bill for this one, and the first of that trio is singer-songwriter Skyler Foley. Based in the northern part of the state, this talented musician brings a strong voice and some memorable, emotionally-driven melodies to the table. Plus they’ve clearly got a sense of humor, having released a song back in 2021 called “You’re Gonna Outlive Mitch McConnell” — speaking of which, how is it possible that that guy is still alive? Fingers crossed that 2025 is our year. Remarkably enough, our final two bands for this week are the same final two bands from last week: Richmond alt-rockers Sheetrock, of whom I am a pretty big fan, and local indie-folk combo Dietz & The Dilemmas, who are led by singer-songwriter John Dietz. I won’t copy and paste the last few sentences of last week’s writeup, but I will say that my feelings about these two groups remain positive, and whether or not you caught their sets last week at The Camel, doing so this week as well will surely be an overall positive decision. Don’t mess this one up.
Email me if you’ve got any tips for me about upcoming shows (that take place after the week this column covers -– this week’s column has obviously already been written): rvamustseeshows@gmail.com
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