Once upon a time, the globe-like hunk of steel located at Waypoint Park on Bellingham’s waterfront was part of a system that used acid to break down wood chips. These days, the “Acid Ball” — a remnant of Georgia-Pacific, the former pulp-and-paper mill which ceased operations in 2007 — has been repurposed as a public work of art.
Starting Saturday afternoon and continuing until well past sunset, the inaugural Acid Ball Psych Rock Music Fest at the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden drew even more attention to the oversized metal sphere that hearkens to the city’s industrial past.
The Whags kicked off the sonic celebration with a blend of psychedelic funk and rock-driven Americana. La Fonda was next, serving up a hearty helping of indie pop, courtesy of sisters Valerie and Veronica Topacio. Supermissive — who describe their music as “a space where The Doors meet Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo” — followed. Siblings once again took center stage when The Black Tones (Eva and Cedric Walker) returned to town with their singular style of rock ‘n’ roll, which also brings blues and punk into the mix.
Headliner Spaceface was the last act of the night, bringing its self-described “retro-futurist dream rock” to the masses, and ending yet another phase of the Acid Ball — one where it acted as a beacon to people looking to enjoy a summer night by rocking out with their dance shoes on.
