Alcian Blue (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Takoma Park, Maryland , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Alcian Blue was a band from the United States, influenced by shoegaze and new wave styles, operating out of the Washington, D.C. area suburb of Takoma Park between 1998 and 2006. They gained attention for their intense wall of sound live shows paired with immersive and disorienting video visuals.
History
The band’s founding members were guitarists Sam Chintha and Jake Reid, drummer Clark Stacy, and bassist Matt Welch. They independently released the album Slow Colorless Stare in 2001 along with multiple EPs, honing their sound through hands-on recording methods and creative use of effects. Their touring circuit included numerous East Coast shoegaze groups such as A Place to Bury Strangers, Skywave, and Emerald Down.
In April 2004, Stacy departed to enlist in the Air Force. Following his exit, the group incorporated drum machines and welcomed Kim Dodd—Reid’s future spouse—on synthesizers and guitar. This evolution led to a more synth- and drum machine-centric style showcased on their self-titled second album, issued in July 2006 via Elephant Stone Records. With this formation, Alcian Blue toured extensively, cultivating a dedicated fanbase both regionally and internationally.
The band dissolved in September 2006 as members moved on to other endeavors. A year later, they released the EP Years Too Late, which compiled earlier unreleased recordings.
Other projects
Jake and Kim Reid established the indie label Safranin Sound and became principal members of Screen Vinyl Image.
Chintha continued his musical pursuits under the name Vacuole Eyes and collaborated with the Antiques.
Both Welch and Chintha also contributed to Torsion Fields alongside John Wood from A Cricket in Times Square.
Studio albums
- Slow Colorless Stare CD (2001, Safranin Sound)
- Alcian Blue CD (2006, Elephant Stone)
Singles and EPs
- Angelica Take Me Down EP (2003, Safranin Sound)
- Translucent EP (2004, Safranin Sound)
- Silvers Sleep Walk EP (2004, Safranin Sound)
- Fall Behind EP (2005, Safranin Sound)
- "You Just Disappear" single (2005, Safranin Sound)
- Years Too Late EP (2007, Safranin Sound)
Compilation appearances
- "Channel" featured on Blisscent 1 (2002, Blisscent Records)
- "Grave Water" included in Test Tones Volume 04 (2004, Clairecords)