Aug 10

Aug 10 AVL Sounds Fest 2026: Day 4

Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel (Photo by John Simmonds)

2pm @ Hellbender — Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel

Strolling around Asheville's newest outdoor venue along the Swannanoa River during this set, I overheard someone say, "Tyler Ramsey singing about birds — what could be better than that?" I couldn't have agreed more. The vibes were immaculate. —Jake Frankel

3:30pm @ Eulogy — Safety Coffin

Remember back in the time before The Black Keys were streamlining their music for car commercials? Back in the early aughts, when the duo sounded dirty and alive? Well, Safety Coffin is very reminiscent of that era of gritty, punk-influenced blues rock.

Fresh off a tour that had them waking up in the Northeast just a day earlier, the duo sounded better than ever during its midday set. Guitarist Matthew Aaron McWaters' vocals have grown much stronger since the last time I caught the band — or maybe it was just the result of hearing them through the superior Eulogy sound system rather than at Fleetwood's — and the duo's songwriting has also leveled up in that time. They'll definitely be a band to keep an eye on as they prep their next release. —Jonny Leather

3:45pm @ Hellbender — Floating Action

One of my favorite bands ever, it was nice to see Floating Action get a prominent slot on the festival’s biggest stage. They were in fine form, with band mastermind Seth Kauffman and an expanded rhythm section (this was the first time I’d seen them with three percussionists) launching profound lo-fi stoner jams like “Burst of Ordinary Light” into Cosmic Level 11. I was glad to see Seth taking sun protection so seriously with his full head covering and neck gaiter. We want this local treasure to stay healthy. —JF

Floating Action (Photo by John Simmonds)

5pm @ Eulogy — Cam Girl

Much like the preceding Safety Coffin, the local glam metal quintet was on its final day of an extensive tour. With the room having mostly emptied out — likely opting to venture out to Hellbender for Dr. Dog — the group could have just phoned it in. It's a cruel fate to have to perform during the same time slot as a festival headliner, even if your musical styles are dissimilar. I know that I was personally conflicted.

Thankfully, the band didn't let the sparse attendance crush its spirits. With a twin lead-guitar attack driving things, Cam Girl tore through the bulk of last year's Flesh & Chrome. Lily Larceny showcased the kind of commanding stage presence necessary for the over-the-top glam metal anthems. I'm sure Dr. Dog was great, but for the few dozen who took a chance and stuck around downtown, Cam Girl surely provided an entertaining finale for AVL Sounds Fest. —JL

5:30pm @ Hellbender — Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog closed the revived AVL Sounds Fest in spectacular fashion, their infectious energy spilling into an appreciative crowd throughout an extended set. Seemingly throwing every trick they had into their only scheduled date of the year, the band tore through a generous selection of favorites while sprinkling in a few surprises, making the most of an expanded lineup that included a trio of dapperly costumed background singers. Despite an extended touring hiatus, there was little sign of rust. Crisp guitars, intricate vocal harmonies, and carefully layered arrangements gave the songs a rich texture, while the band’s loose, playful stage presence kept everything from feeling too polished.

The performance — and really, the entire day at Hellbender — felt like a poignant and emotional moment. The return of AVL Sounds Fest was meaningful enough on its own, but staging the festival’s headlining performance at Hellbender, on land that was among the areas hardest hit by Tropical Storm Helene nearly two years ago, gave the celebration an added resonance. Huge credit is due to Jeff Whitworth and Worthwhile Sounds for bringing the festival back and executing its revival with such care. Here’s hoping the festival — and Asheville itself — comes back even bigger, stronger, and louder next year. —Micah Rogers