"I think it’s been about five or six years now, it’s kind of weird,’’ guitarist Adam Falconer, one half of the visceral instrumental sonic rock duo, says of the group’s impending reformation.
"I’ve been playing with Dave in [melodic Pixies-esque rockers] Evil Kid, and he put forward the idea of a show to celebrate his birthday. I talked to Rob [Falconer, brother and drummer], and it seemed like a good time. He’s been living down in Invercargill, so we haven’t really seen as much of each other. It felt like the time was right. It’s been good to do it again, but to be fair, we probably wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t Dave’s birthday."
Ager is the founder of Monkey Killer Records, the esoteric vinyl-only label that first put out Operation Rolling Thunder’s debut album III back in 2010, and in the intervening years has released great music from Onanon, Triumphs and Ager’s own post-rock behemoths Idiot Prayer.
"I was actually thinking about it the other day, and without getting misty eyed, I’ve got a lot of respect for him," Falconer says.
"He put out the record; he took a big gamble on us. People talk about music communities, and you need people like Dave. He’s the one taking risks and putting out records, he’s the one who organises shows, goes to shows, he’s the guy who did the radio show (the Local on Radio One 91FM) for years. That sort of role is really important.
"He’s a bit of an unsung hero in some-ways. It’s a nice way to tip our hat to him."
Ager is also the person who first shared Operation Rolling Thunder’s debut with the writer, as an impressionable 17-year-old, the album leaving a lasting mark with its graceful swathes of searing distorted chords swelling and decaying around precise, spacious, hammer-strike drumming. The compositions are physical, the sheer energy and volume of the visceral soundscapes punishing and tinnitus-inducing. There’s also tension and restraint; the band never fully let go into sonic chaos, and play their quiet moments with grace and dexterity.
"I very much learnt how to play with Rob," Adam says.
"We grew up together and played all the time, so it’s nice to be back playing with him. It’s a bit more regimented than normal; we’re just sort of practising the songs, not trying anything new, but it feels good and it feels right."
WARMING UP
Charcoal Burners, the new musical vehicle for musicians Andrew Spittle and Shane Gilchrist, makes a public debut at the Inch Bar tonight.
The pair will perform original material, drawing on Spittle’s back catalogue and many new songs, employing a twin-guitar, twin-vocal approach.
"We previewed a few songs late last year at a private house concert that featured Nadia Reid and the Broken Heartbreakers," Spittle says.
"However, this proper debut involves a lot more songs and approaches."
The gigs
• Operation Rolling Thunder 40th anniversary reunion tour, Saturday April 1, Crown Hotel. With support from G. Ross, Strange Harvest and Second Hour. $10 on the door from 9pm. Music from 9.30. The gig
• Charcoal Burners play at the Inch Bar, Dunedin, tonight from 9pm.
