Based out of Hartford, Connecticut, Acid Walls is a four-piece hard-psychedelic rock band.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Bailey Packard: Bass Guitar
Eli Pidgeon: Drum Kit
Dom Russo: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Elliott Moreau: Lead Guitar, Vocals
What’s the origin of your band name?
The origin of “Acid Walls” is a result of the idea that for one to fully immerse themselves in life they must be willing to tear down the internal walls that separate them from the people in the environments that surround them. This is precisely what we attempt to do with our music. By reaching for this idea, we can create something truly authentic and beautiful.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
We all have different tastes in the music that we consume, but if there were one band that we can all relate to absolutely then that would be Black Sabbath! Sabbath is truly a guiding light for inspiration whenever we make music together.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Our songs are usually written by everyone, but they will typically start with a riff or idea from Elliott or Dom and then we’ll jam the idea for a bit until everyone starts to form a more solid part that fits with the song. We’ll keep developing the song until it has more structure, and we’ll add changes that we feel fit the song well. In terms of lyrics, some songs are written completely by Elliott, others completely by Dom, and some of the newer song lyrics have been full band collaborations.
You just released your debut EP “Glass Pieces.” Is the EP focused around any specific topics or concepts? What was your greatest inspiration while writing?
The focus track “Glass Piece Pt. II” follows themes of being in the presence of someone you love and still feeling as if you’re a million miles away from them. The song exclaims the sacrifices that one would make just to feel the connection that one desired so desperately. The last song on the EP is a remix of our first single “Jagged Brain.” This song describes what it’s like to desire a connection with someone who was in your life long ago and continues to question whether it’s too late for the possibility of that connection to be restored.
“Glass Pieces” features your latest single “Glass Piece Pt. 2.” Can you talk a little about what this song represents to you?
“Glass Piece Pt. 2” is certainly one of our favorite songs that we had written as a band and is also a group favorite to play live. This song focuses on the relationships we share with others and how you can feel disconnected from them even in their presence. “Glass Piece Pt. 2” describes the things that a person would easily give to feel that connection they so desperately desire. The song contains the lyric “Take my mind, because I don’t need it anymore,” exemplifying what one would give seeking that connection.
You just celebrated the EP release with a show at Bleacher’s in Bristol, Connecticut. What did you do to prepare for that show? What was your favorite moment?
The night was definitely a big success in our eyes! We spent a lot of time practicing those songs in preparation for the show. There wasn’t one moment in particular that was a favorite of ours. The performances of the other bands, the sense of community that we felt the whole night, the new friends we made, and the way we played our set, were all incredibly special to us.
Do you have any other shows coming up?
Yes! We have two shows in March. The first is on March 7 at Ralph’s Rock Diner in Worcester,
MA (a new venue for us), and the second is on March 16 at the Crunch House in West Haven, CT (an old stomping grounds venue of ours). And many more to come!
What’s next for Acid Walls?
We’re starting the process of recording our first full-length album. A collection of ten songs that we’re looking to release around summer 2024!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We’re very grateful for the music and moments we’ve cultivated together so far and are even more excited for what’s to come in our future!