THUS LOVE

THUS LOVE is a Brattleboro, Vermont-based post-punk trio that emerged in the early 2020s as a significant voice in the queer indie underground. Formed by Echo Mars, Lu Racine, and originally Nathaniel van Osdol (later joined by Ally Juleen and Shane Blank), the band is defined by a strict DIY ethos.

This commitment is exemplified by their 'Memorial' album, which was recorded in a makeshift studio the band constructed in their shared apartment. Their sound is a sophisticated blend of 1980s new wave, jangle-pop, and traditional post-punk, characterized by Mars' distinctive androgynous vocal delivery and intricate, shimmering guitar work. Critically, they are noted for reclaiming the often-stark post-punk genre as a space for queer joy and community resilience. Their career arc shows a rapid evolution from local Vermont headliners to international touring acts, maintaining a 'crank wave' intensity while leaning into more melodic, expansive arrangements on later releases like 'All Pleasure'. They occupy a unique cultural position as self-identified trans artists whose music serves as both a personal catharsis and a communal beacon.