Rikki Rakki is a hazy, dreamy, “stargazy” rock n roll band from Richmond, Virginia. Songwriter Erika Blatnik’s sweet-tart voice and lilting melodies deliver lyrics hell-bent on finding hope in a void-gazing reality. Along with her own jaunty guitar, Blatnik and buds Matt Luger (guitar/synth), Andy Brown (bass), and Jay Kole (drums) create a vibrant tapestry of sound, weaving layers of reverb-washed harmonies, decaying ambient flutters, sharp jangles and tactile rhythms. 

Since releasing their 2022 EP, Quarantine Sessions, Rikki Rakki has carefully been self-recording their first full-length record, Breaking Skin, scheduled for digital release July 21st. The new album comprises nine songs written over several years, inspired by night walks through Richmond streets and river trails. These backdrops are woven into the album’s artwork, painstakingly constructed by Blatnik, featuring a self-modeled shadow puppet wandering through hazy city backgrounds and ghostly photograms of flora collected along the James River. The band will be celebrating Breaking Skin’s release at Gallery 5 on Saturday, July 22nd with supporting heavy-hitters Ruth Good and Knifing Around, and will proudly display high-resolution prints of Blatnik’s album art at the event.

Ruth Good

Ruth Good, a band created by brothers Jonathan and Wes Parker, was named after their late grandmother. They captivate audiences with haunting vocal harmonies, driving guitar riffs, and a distinctive blend of indie and country elements.

Knifing Around

Knifing Around is a dance-rock group from Richmond, Virginia. Their sound is pushing post-punk into groovier territory, and lyrically tackles topics related to government corruption and relationships in the 21st century. RIYL: LCD soundsystem, Kraftwerk, NIN