Tsunami (Virginia band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Jenny Toomey, Kristin Thomson |
| Headquarters | Arlington, Virginia , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Tsunami is an American indie rock ensemble originating from Arlington, Virginia. The group was established in late 1990 by roommates Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson, initially to perform at a New Year's celebration. They recruited their former housemate John Pamer as the drummer and brought in Andrew Webster, who had played with Bricks and Jenny's earlier project, Geek, to finalize the band’s roster.
Early days
Following their inception, Tsunami managed a balance between touring, releasing 7-inch singles, and overseeing Toomey and Thomson’s Simple Machines record label, which handled most of their releases. Their first album, Deep End, was recorded during the summer of 1992 but encountered production setbacks that delayed its release until early 1993. That same year, the band performed six shows on the Lollapalooza side stage alongside acts such as Sebadoh, Free Kitten, and Thurston Moore. After issuing their second album, The Heart's Tremolo, Tsunami embarked on two tours across the United States, toured the United Kingdom, and appeared at the Phoenix Festival on the Melody Maker Stage.
In 1995, they toured nationally again while releasing their third album, World Tour & Other Destinations. The band then paused activities for a year as John Pamer pursued his undergraduate studies at UMASS Amherst.
Fresh Faces
Upon completing his degree in 1996, Pamer stayed in Amherst to save money for relocating to New York City. During this period, Tsunami brought in Arlington-based drummer Luther Gray. After six months of rehearsals with Gray, they recorded their fourth studio album, A Brilliant Mistake, which was released in August 1997 through Simple Machines. To support this release on tour across the U.S., the lineup expanded to include Amy Domingues on bass and Bob Massey handling guitar and keyboards.
Simple Machines
In 1998, Toomey and Thomson decided to conclude both Tsunami and their Simple Machines label. This decision was commemorated with a 'Simple Machines Finale party' featuring a performance by the band. Although they stopped producing new material, Tsunami completed a brief East Coast tour that same year. Between 2001 and 2003, Toomey and Thomson reunited with former members and guest musicians for appearances at Ladyfest events held in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
Simple Machines also operated a clothing brand named Cog Wear that showcased their logo. The label ultimately ceased operations in 1997.
After Simple Machines
Following the shutdown of Simple Machines in 1998, Toomey took on the role of executive director at the Future of Music Coalition, where she championed fair policies for music stakeholders navigating the digital era. Thomson joined as Education Director after obtaining a Master’s degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware.
Tsunami reunited in 2023 after reissues were released by The Numero Group. In 2024, a compilation titled Loud As Is, encompassing their four albums along with additional tracks, was announced.
Kristin Thomson
Kristin Thomson departed from the National Organization for Women in 1990 to co-found Simple Machines alongside Jenny Toomey until its closure in 1997. Simple Machines was recognized as D.C.'s pioneering self-managed women-led record label, initially operating out of the Positive Force House in Arlington before relocating locally.
Together, Thomson and Toomey produced four editions of the Simple Machine's Mechanics Guide, which clarified physical music production processes and assisted artists with releasing records on formats such as cassettes and CDs. Over 2,000 copies were sold during a period marked by an increase in small independent labels within the region.
Thomson organized workshops and events aimed at women within the D.C. punk community, leaving a lasting influence on thousands of female participants and shaping the local music scene significantly.
In the mid-2000s, she served as director of education, projects, and research at the nonprofit Future of Music Coalition. Since 2017, she has held a director position at Media Democracy Fund. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Bryan Dilworth.
Singles
- "Headringer" (Simple Machines, 1991)
- "Genius of Crack" (Homestead Records, 1991)
- "Teriyaki Asthma vol.7" (C/Z Records, 1992)
- "Beautiful Arlington" (IV (Australia), 1992)
- "Diner" (Simple Machines, 1993)
- "Matchbook" (Simple Machines, 1993)
- "Be Like That" (Simple Machines, 1994)
- "Poodle/Old City" (Simple Machines, 1997)
Albums
- Deep End (Simple Machines, 1993)
- The Heart's Tremolo (Simple Machines, 1994)
- World Tour & Other Destinations (Simple Machines, 1995)
- A Brilliant Mistake (Simple Machines, 1997)
- Loud Is As (Numero, 2024)
Compilation appearances
- Split 7-inch Tsunami/Velocity Girl (Sub Pop, 1992)
- Split 7-inch Season's Greetings with Velocity Girl (Simple Machines, 1992)
- Compilation 7-inch Inclined Plane (Simple Machines, 1993)
- Compilation 7-inch Teen Beat 100 (TeenBeat Records, 1993)
- Split 7-inch August Working Holiday with Small Factory (Simple Machines, 1993)
- Compilation CD/CS Echoes from the Nation's Capital (TWUnderground, 1993)
- Compilation The Machines: Simple Machines 7-inchs (1990-1993) (Simple Machines, 1994)
- CD Monsters of Rock II featuring Eggs & Rodan (Simple Machines, 1994)
- Compilation album Working Holiday! (Simple Machines, 1994)
- Tribute compilation LP/CD Our Band Could Be Your Life Minuteman tribute (Little Brother, 1995)
- Split 7-inch Tsunami/Superchunk (Honeybear, 1995)
- Compilation No. 3 7-inch Compulsiv comp (Compulsiv Records, 1996)