Words & Photos by Joe Calixto
September 14,2016.
The folks at Epitaph Records and Touché Amoré turned an empty 1814 Sunset into a very quaint and intimate art gallery. For the next 3 days, it is the home of the amazing works of art that consists the cover and interior art of Touché Amoré’s fourth album Stage Four – a record that deals with the death of Jeremy Bolm’s mother in late 2014.
Tonight was the opening night for the gallery which showcased 28 original art works by London-based collage artist Anthony Gerace. Along with photographer Ryan Aylsworth and TA’s resident art director/designer/guitar player Nick Steinhardt, Gerace found inspiration in the emotional challenges frontman Jeremy Bolm experienced while packing up his mother’s belongings left behind in her home.
“It’s a documentation and visual story of re-arranging and compartmentalizing emptiness along with the warmth of the human imprint while moving through life’s natural course,” says Steinhardt.
Along side the gallery, tonight also served as an album release party for Stage Four. Epitaph had records available on site, which included the special edition book/vinyl (which I totally got!) and the entire band was there to sign records all night. DJ duties were fulfilled by Deafheaven frontman George Clarke, who I must say did a pretty good job.
It was definitely an intimate night of friends and family and even total strangers, celebrating great art, great music and a great record.
On a personal level, It’s incredible seeing this band where they are at now. I’ve photograph these guys so many times through the years. From playing Cobalt Cafe shows in different bands, playing the Spread, opening at the Knitting Factory, to playing huge festivals like Coachella and FYF. These guys are living proof that hardwork does payoff. If your band has it and you work hard with what you have then you will definitely go places. Alrighty… end rant.
Stage Four will be out September 16th and the pop up gallery will be on from September 15-17, 2016. Trust me, check it out!
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“Was it all the palm dreams.
Placed where they shouldn’t be.
That made you feel complete.
In this land of make believe”
Final words: Shoutout to Beyonce for causing the insane amounts of traffic. Much appreciated Queen B. -_-
