Local alt rock band Lance Bangs has dropped a catchy, quick new single “Wash” via local indie label Citrus City Records.
The three-piece group has developed steadily and significantly over the years, starting with high school sessions to where they are today. Formerly named Colin Thibodeauxxx, the band initially played the guitarist/vocalist Colin Thibodeau’s solo work. As their sound began to develop outside of the solo material, the trio changed their name to better suit themselves as a band and became Lance Bangs.
The group, consisting of Thibodeau, Joel Alicea on bass, and Drew Lanzafama on drums, released their first EP under the name, Lance Mountain, September of last year both with Citrus City Records and Danger Collective Records.
In a very do it yourself fashion, the EP was recorded in their basement. But before you assume a low-quality Richmond-esque basement sound, think again. Using Thibodeau’s dad’s recording equipment, the band put together a crisp and layered yet simple, high-quality sound that you’d think was professionally recorded in a studio.
“I like to call us…we’re clearly not what you’d think of as bedroom pop, but maybe bedroom rock,” Thibodeau said in an interview with RVAMag last year. “We do it all ourselves, and we write all these songs in a basement or a bedroom.”
“Wash” follows the same kind of bedroom-rock style Thibodeau was talking about. It’s short and sweet, but the almost math-like sound makes you think that it couldn’t of risen from a simple jam sesh, which is what makes it so impressive. While you can recognize that Lance Mountain sound, the single is another step in their evolution as a group.
Lance Bangs has been taking that beloved DIY Richmond spirit with them outside the city. The band hit the East coast last year, playing major cities like Miami and New York City. And according to our last chat, they plan to continue getting out there and spreading the love. The group hopes to have more out this summer and we’re eagerly awaiting.
Catch Lance Bangs March 18th at Strange Matter alongside Vundabar, Sports, and Fat Spirit.
Photo by Katelyn Kibler