Acme Thunderer is a brand new record label from right here in Richmond, VA, and tomorrow night at Gallery 5, they will celebrate their first release, a compilation called Time Capture Vol. 1. The compilation includes tracks by every band on the label's roster, and all of those bands will also be performing at the event. Explaining the label's mission, cofounder Eddie Charlton said, "Our goal is to release quality independent music from the Richmond area and beyond. Using the power of the digital realm, we hope to organize and spotlight works from everyone we encounter on our way, illustrating the scenes, faces, and melodies that best capture our taste and moments." To that end, they've collected a roster that spotlights some of the better and more diverse talent that the Richmond area has to offer.
WHAT: Acme Thunderer Launch Party
WHEN: Saturday October 9, 7 PM
WHO: Ghost Lotion
Lubec
Flechette
White Laces
Tungs
Plus additional dance tunes from Broads and DJ Kayvan, the funkest Deej.
WHERE: Gallery 5 (200 W. Marshall St)
ADMISSION: $7
Here's some more information about the groups perfoming:
Ghost Lotion prefer to cultivate an air of mystery about their work, and have revealed little besides the fact that various members of the band have previously collaborated in different combinations under such names as Intelligence and Elk Blood. However, "Number One," the EP they've released as a teaser for their upcoming Acme Thunderer full-length, is more than able to speak for itself. It paints the picture of a self-assured musical collective who are easily able to navigate a multi-part vocal harmony. A lazy comparison might be to Dirty Projectors, but where that group relies on a mixture of Beach Boys sunshine pop and Motown soul, Ghost Lotion reach for the jazzy post-emo guitar melodies of groups like Karate, while using the textures provided by the rhythm section to keep things grounded.
Lubec mix the ramshackle, fuzzed-out energy of early 90s lo-fi pop bands on Slumberland Records (an acknowledged influence) with more modern indie rock influences that come through in their use of unconventional instruments and clearly audible vocals. Their debut EP, Nothing Is Enough, leavens their bright, catchy melodies with harsh distortion and the sort of reverb that comes from recording in a big empty room, rather than from an expert hand on the mixing board. It all adds up to a charming, unpolished sound that should be a delight in a live atmosphere. Here's Lubec's latest single, "Cherry Adair," from Nothing Is Enough:
Flechette play an intense style of emotional post-hardcore that calls to mind the syncopated energy of Fugazi as well as mid-90s math-rockers like Unwound and Drive Like Jehu. No specific releases besides their tracks on Time Capture are currently planned, but they've just finished up a recording session and those tracks will hopefully see the light of day before long.
Led by former RVA staffer Landis Wine, White Laces have made a great deal of progress in a short period of time, moving from a bedroom project to a full-fledged band with multiple releases in the can. They have a self-titled 12 inch EP coming out later this month on Whole Ghost/Shdwply, and expect to release a 7 inch EP on Acme Thunderer before the year is out. Their fuzzy, psychedelic indie rock harks back to the tremelo bar abuse of prime-era My Bloody Valentine, with the steady pulse of groups like Neu (whom they reference on their track "Motorik Twilight") lurking subtly underneath.
Tungs have created a buzz for themselves around Richmond recently, with their sample-heavy psychedelic rock. Their impressive new LP, Sleeping, runs the gamut from harsh, nearly-indecipherable noisefests to keyboard-driven pop tunes to creepy ambient hums. Tungs have no plans of slowing down in the near future, with a tour and multiple EPs--at least one of which will be released on Acme Thunderer--planned for the coming year. You can hear Tungs's new single, "Sleeping," from the album of the same name, here.
With this kind of powerhouse lineup in place, Acme Thunderer's Launch Party--and the label in general--should be a pretty great affair. Make sure you are in attendance.