Local drummer Chris Thompson just returned from touring alongside experimental group I Set My Friends on Fire, but will be swept away from West Virginia’s scene as he tours with ISMFOF through April.

Thompson has drummed for Charleston band Time and Distance since he was 16.

“I used to play in a bunch of hardcore bands and like heavier stuff, back in the day,” Thompson said. “I’ve been playing in bands pretty much since I was 12 years old, so I’ve always wanted to do this.”

Thompson performed with Time and Distance March 10 at the V-Club, where the band has played two new songs, “Something More” and “Live a Lie.”

Thompson said Time and Distance most recently release a music video for its new song “Something More” and the band has recorded a more upbeat, “pop” influenced song to be release in the coming spring or summer.

Thompson said Time and Distance will take a brief break, but when it comes to the hometown scene he “can’t stay away.”

Although Thompson has not yet played as drummer for ISMFOF, he said the recent Time and Distance tour was good exposure.

“They’re pretty crazy live,” Thompson said. “A lot of crowd surfing, stage diving, all that kind of stuff; it’s really exciting to watch.”

Thompson said he has another upcoming tour in Australia with ISMFOF beginning May and he is preparing for future tours with the band around August.

ISMFOF recently resumed touring in 2015 and they have plans for a new release, “Caterpillar Sex.”

“They’re actually about to come out with a new album that should be getting released around the end of this month,” Thompson said. “It should be pretty sweet.”

Thompson will start his tour as drummer March 23 at Lowbrow Palace in El Paso, Texas.

The closest ISMFOF tour will come to Huntington, however, is their set in Connellsville, Pennsylvania at The Cinema.

Ryan Fischer can be contacted at [email protected].