Tsunami (California band)

Tsunami was an American indie rock band formed in California in the late 1980s. They are notable for their angular guitar work, introspective lyrics, and a sound often associated with the "sadcore" subgenre, although they incorporate elements of dream pop and alternative rock.

The band's core members were Kristin Hersh (guitar, vocals), known primarily for her work with Throwing Muses, and Bernie Worrell (keyboards), renowned for his contributions to Parliament-Funkadelic. The lineup also included various other musicians throughout their existence, including drummers and bassists who contributed to the band's shifting soundscapes.

Tsunami released several albums and EPs throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, often exploring themes of loss, isolation, and emotional turmoil. While not commercially mainstream, they garnered a dedicated following within the indie rock scene and received critical acclaim for their distinctive musical style and Hersh's evocative songwriting. Their music is characterized by its textural complexity, often blending distorted guitars with melodic keyboard lines and Hersh's signature vocal delivery, which ranges from a near-whisper to passionate outbursts.

After a period of inactivity, Tsunami occasionally reunited for live performances. Their contributions to the alternative music landscape of the 1990s and early 2000s solidify their place as a notable, if somewhat understated, band from that era. Their music continues to be appreciated by fans of introspective and emotionally resonant indie rock.