Hailing from Carbondale, IL, Acumen has been a part of the “Little Egypt” punk scene for years. Mostly focusing on their live show, the band has yet to release something officially on vinyl … until now. Their debut EP, Mark VII, releases later this month on Rad Girlfriend Records. A mix of covers and originals, the album showcases the group’s pure talent and raw energy while also serving as an appetizer for what fans can expect from future releases.
Mark VII takes some of the band’s favorite tracks from the ’60s and reinterprets them with a flair of garage rock and punk music. It’s a perfect introduction for newcomers of the band, while giving longer-term fans something they can enjoy at home in between gigs.
Ahead of the project’s official release, Bearded Gentlemen Music is privileged to premiere the newest single, “Dynomite.” The song captures the rebellious spirit of ’60s garage rock and punk, complete with gritty lyrics that explore the tension between conformity and individuality. The catchy chorus, “Dynomite – take a bite – lucky strike,” challenges norms and expresses the thrill of breaking free, making it a standout track on their upcoming album.
Have a listen to the song below while you read our interview with Acumen’s lead singer Malcolm Robertson and guitarist Adam Fletcher.
Your debut EP comes out at the end of this month. What goes through your mind as you prepare to share your music with the world?
Malcolm: I honestly never thought it would happen. I myself have been playing in forgettable punk bands for more than three decades, so the prospect of an actual vinyl release – over a cassette or burned CD – seems incomprehensible.
Adam: I’m excited to finally get it out into the world. The process of writing and recording the songs, and how long it takes to get vinyl pressed can be a momentum killer.
You’re releasing the album with Rad Girlfriend. What drew you to that label?
Adam: I met Josh, who runs Rad Girlfriend, a long time ago when he was touring with The Queers. I pitched him the Acumen album when we finished recording it. Luckily, he dug it, and now here we are! We’re grateful to be added to the deep catalog of cool albums on Rad Girlfriend.
Mark VII is 80% covers of forgotten gems from the ’60s. How did you narrow down the final list of songs?
Malcolm: Many of the songs have long been favorites of mine, and I had always wanted to try them in a band. I’m a bit of a 60’s garage nerd, and I am astounded these guys in the band listen to me. I had previously covered “She Lied” in a band I was in during the late ’90s called Hippie Repellent.
Adam: Like Malcolm said, some of these songs he’s been performing since the ’90s. Acumen is a long-standing Carbondale, IL institution! The band has seen a few lineup changes through the years, but it’s always been comprised of veteran musicians. That being said, everyone in the band has impeccable taste, and the catalog of obscure songs to cover is never-ending.
Why the ’60s?
Malcolm: I have been inspired by 60’s stuff since my early teens, as a product of a heavy dose of television in the ’70s. I have always been attracted to the American response to the British Invasion – and the bombshell that it set off musically that lead to the roots of punk. I’ve always liked the culture and style of the era.
Were any of the songs particularly challenging to get your head around the perfect arrangement?
Malcolm: Vocally, I found “Little Egypt” to be challenging until I decided to do it the “Kilmister” way. Then, everything fell into place. “Feel It” is a song I had tried in other bands that we could never get quite right. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.
Aside from the covers, you also have two originals on the EP. What’s your approach when writing and recording your own songs?
Malcolm: It seems like someone will have a fairly formed idea for a new song, and then we will collaborate on the arrangement. I think we really enjoy being around one another, so trying new things is easy.
Adam: Anyone that’s been in a band knows that the chemistry between band members is the most important thing when it comes to writing new material. We all feel comfortable showing whatever idea we might have for a new tune, so the songwriting process has been fairly easy. In fact, as of now, we’re about halfway into writing our next record.
Tell me more about “Dynomite.” How does this song represent who Acumen is?
Malcolm: “Dynomite” was mostly written by Frank. I don’t know if it represents us, but it is reflective of our energy. I really like to sing with intensity, and this song really inspires me. Evan’s guitar solo moves me every time – even at practice.
Any plans to do any touring in support of the album? For the uninitiated, what’s an Acumen show like?
Malcolm: I’m a late-blooming family man, so I don’t think any touring will be happening. That said, I look forward to performing to support this record. I think audiences appreciate our precise execution of our material. It has been said that I sing with a considerable amount of energy, but I think our excellence lies in caliber of these gentlemen who join me in this endeavor. Hopefully, this record has captured some of that essence.
Adam: We’ll be playing more shows once the album is out, and we look forward to playing for some new audiences. The band is a garage-rock-n-roll machine of rhythmic energy!
When the dust settles with Acumen, what do you want to me known for and remembered by?
Malcolm: I want to be remembered for being real. I want the audience to feel what I am feeling. That’s why I’ve always given all my attention to live shows and barely recorded anything.
Adam: I’m the opposite! I want to leave behind a good catalog of recorded material. When the band is gone, that’s all that’s left behind for people to listen to. So I feel it’s important to try to make recordings you’re proud of.
Any last words?
Malcolm: Adam Fletcher deserves the credit for making this vinyl a reality. Hands down. It never would have happened otherwise. For me, this band is a culmination of all the other bands I’ve played in – both musically and aesthetically. I’m a fortunate man.
The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.