New Junk City takes on Southern Virginia
I was out to dinner with a local friend the other night (I’m currently working in Norfolk, VA) at a really fun restaurant that’s also the best local venue, The Taphouse Grill and Bar. While enjoying my BBQ jackfruit sandwich and tots, the owner, Parker, pointed out to my friend that the band we were listening to on the overhead was New Junk City. I chimed in that I’d seen them several times before at Fest and a few other places. Parker told me they were going to be playing a loaded bill of mostly VA bands on Saturday night. Lo and behold, I actually had Saturday night off. Five bands for $10 at a rad venue is just unheard of nowadays, so I was stoked!
Even Converge Baby was ready to kick some ass and take some names! photo by kim moenich
First up were Virginia Beach natives False Cape. Self-described alternative indie punk, False Cape brings a ton of energy to their live performances. These guys have been playing shows for a minute, from all over Virginia to New Orleans. I was transported back to the mid-90s with their catchy tunes, and they were a ton of fun to watch. You can find their singles on Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube.
False Cape singer, Kris Doucette, belting out some post-punk lyrics. photo by kim moenich
Kris, Anthony, Steven, and Keith of False Cape helped get the crowd warmed up for a long night of punk rock. photo by kim moenich
I missed Richmond-based quartet 40 Reps at Fest 20, so I couldn’t wait to see them. While I can see strong comparisons to bands like Gaslight Anthem and older Spanish Love Songs, 40 Reps makes this sound their own courtesy of Tommy’s strong vocal skills and the bands original takes on this comforting genre. I could sit and listen to them for hours, but it’s much more fun to watch their antics in person. Check out their discography on Say-10 Records or catch them at the upcoming Pouzza Fest in Montreal!
It was all about the hair with RVA natives 40 Reps! photo by kim moenich
He may make silly faces, but Tommy sure knows how to sing! photo by kim moenich
While the next band’s name is a mouthful, their songs filled my heart with warm, fast, melty punk rock. Pedals on Our Pirate Ships has been a Richmond staple for around two decades, originating as a solo project for singer Matt Seymour. A stalwart of the Richmond punk rock scene, Seymour eventually decided to grow the endeavor into a full-fledged band, albeit one whose lineup was ever-changing. The current iteration is a hard-hitting four-piece who throw their punk vibes straight in your face. Reminiscent of Dave Hause and the Mermaids (haha-—see what I did there?!), Pedals on Our Pirate Ships is straightforward punk that wraps you up in its kind of smelly arms and gives you a long-awaited, although perhaps a little awkward, hug. They were really, really fun to watch, and the crowd was definitely into them! They’re also on Say-10 Records, and have singles out all over the place, so do yourself a favor and find them.
More silliness ensued as Pedals on Our Pirate Ships (or POOPS) took the stage. photo by kim moenich
People really like to scream AT this band. photo by kim moenich
One band I did catch at Fest were Hotlanta natives New Junk City. These guys have been at it since 2013, playing with every band under the sun, from Streetlight Manifesto to Hot Water Music to Pansy Division. Their ubiquitous sound is mildly reminiscent of a less anthemic Joyce Manor, with strong guitar riffs laid down over blistering drum beats followed by the melodic screaming of angst-ridden lyrics. They’re music you’d listen to after a nasty breakup or when you need to put on a track that you can get lost in. They meshed perfectly in this somewhat eclectic lineup, making the crowd dance their asses off. They have a few dates left in their East Coast tour, so go find them now!
John Vournakis of New Junk City- what a voice. photo by kim moenich
I love the Taphouse because I can actually shoot the drummers! Jeff Claxton on drums and Dakota Floyd on guitar. photo by kim moenich
I had always heard about the amazing southern Virginia music scene, but I got here in December, the slow season for shows, and I hadn’t really been able to catch a whole lot of bands since then. But now I have been graced with the greatness that is Padfoot, Virginia Beach natives and all-out rock stars. This band has it all, y’all-—silly sing-alongs, a drummer who belts out Cabaret, and a beautiful, out-and-proud queer rockstar who only gets one gay song in the setlist but who isn’t going to let you go without hearing it! Padfoot was the band I didn’t know I was missing, and their fervent fans feel the same. Everyone in the crowd was screaming along to the lyrics as Padfoot played their beautiful punk anthems to a packed house. I was kinda sad that I didn’t know the lyrics, because I wanted to be singing along, too. They are also the sweetest people alive, so if they’re playing somewhere near you, make sure to check them out. You can find them on Chillwavve Records, and you really should!
Padfoot brought the energy (and more silliness). photo by kim moenich
This band likes to scream at people and they like to scream back. (There was a lot of screaming at this show!) photo by kim moenich
More drummers and more silliness. Christopher Kimball, ladies and gents. With the multi-talented Karen Estrella! photo by kim moenich