Tsunami

by Jason AnkenyCharacterized by their muscular guitar sound and the powerful vocals of frontwoman Jenny Toomey, the aptly named Tsunami was among the most important and original bands to emerge from the American indie scene of the 1990s; the motivating force behind the highly regarded Simple Machines label, the groups sociopolitical activism and unwavering commitment to D.I.Y. principles established them among the most respected voices in the alternative community. Tsunami was formed in Arlington, Virginia in 1990 by Toomey and guitarist Kristin Thomson, who together had founded Simple Machines as a result of their constant frustrations with music industry machinations. Toomey, a veteran of such groups as Geek and Slack, soon persuaded bassist pal Andrew Webster to relocate to Arlington and join the fledgling band, and with the addition of drummer John Pamer, the original Tsunami lineup was complete. In early 1991, Tsunami set out on their first tour, in support of the legendary Beat Happening. Upon returning to Arlington, they recorded a four-track demo called Cow Arcade; the seven-inch EP Headringer, the quartets first official release, followed a short time later. Also in 1991, they recorded the brilliant Genius of Crack single, released to significant acclaim on the Homestead label. A series of 1992 releases — among them Left Behind, one-half of a split effort with Velocity Girl issued as part of the Sub Pop labels singles club series — raised the bands profile in the indie community, and were followed a year later by Diner and Matchbook, a pair of Simple Machines releases emblematic of the labels impeccably rich packaging designs. After so many seven-inches, Tsunami finally issued their full-length debut, Deep End, in mid-1993. A tour on the support stage of Lollapalooza followed that summer.After a lengthy tour, Tsunami issued their stunning second LP The Hearts Tremolo, in 1994; the road again beckoned, and in the spring of 1995 they issued World Tour and Other Destinations, a much-needed compilation of singles, B-sides and compilation tracks. When Webster returned to college, Tsunami effectively went on hiatus; Toomey and Thomson returned their focus to operating Simple Machines, and Toomey also participated in a number of side projects, among them Liquorice. In the meantime, Pamer left the band and was replaced by drummer Luther Gray; rumors swirled throughout the indie press that the group had broken up, but in 1997 Tsunami resurfaced with the excellent A Brilliant Mistake. Early in 1998, Toomey and Thomson announced the imminent demise of Simple Machines, although Tsunami remained a going concern.