Gringo Star - The Sides and In Between
by Anthony Strutt
published: 17 / 10 / 2016
Label:
Nevado Music
Format: CD
intro
Upbeat and humorous psychedelic pop on fourth album from Atlanta band, Gringo Star
I didn't know much about Atlanta-based band Gringo Star before but their blend of psychedelic pop is very much to my tastes. 'The Sides and In Between', which is their fourth album, opens up with 'Rotten', which has a familiar twang that warms you instantly as singer Nicholas Furgiuele's honey-soaked vocals flow gently over a 50's rock and roll heartbeat. 'Magic' is fun from its start. Distorted vocals add to its sense of playfulness, which combines Supergrass-shaped words over jangly Shadows guitar play. 'Get Closer' is a grunge number but with added Britpop-infused humour, a headbopper of much fun. 'Still Alive' is an Alex Turner-shaped vocal line, but is like slapstick comedy wrapped up in a song. 'Going Home' is oddly shaped, starting with the sound of seagulls crying, before a sleepy Ray Davies=styled melody emerges out of it like an English Beach Boys. 'Knee Deep' has an acoustic swagger. It is almost like a desert- styled Lee Hazlewood which pleases me no end. 'Heading South' is a jolly, banjo-based number, which is almost like an out take from the Beatles' 'The White Album' in its feel, Its light-hearted tone reminds me a bit of the fun McCartney had during 'RAM'. 'Undone' is a masterclass of 'Pet Sounds' summertime pop and sounds as fresh as the summer itself. 'It's You' recalls the mid-60's doomy rhythm and blues of bands such as, say, the Animals, while 'The Last Trace' is very catchy, a jump up and down psychedelic trip of a number to end this fine record.
Track Listing:-
1 Rotten2 Magic
3 Get Closer
4 Still Alive
5 Going Home
6 Knee Deep
7 Heading South
8 Undone
9 It's You
10 The Last Trace
Band Links:-
http://www.gringostar.net/https://twitter.com/gringo_star_atl
https://www.facebook.com/gringostarmusic
bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
Count Yer Lucky Stars (2012) |
Colourful and timeless-sounding second album from 60's-influenced Atlanta-based alternative rock act, Gringo Star |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Flaming Stars - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadIan Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart