Apr 17

Apr 17 Meet San Francisco's GASTON

I don't write about NEW "new" bands that often anymore. Reasons for this are two-fold really: 1. I am old and can't be at tiny clubs every night like my vodka tonic wielding early 20s manic A&R rep days of yore. 2. Most of my friends who were in bands that were new and that I wrote about now are married and have like two kids each and live in the suburbs. It happens. Trust me I do my best to stay relevant here but it's tricky when you're trying to shuffle a 9-7, justify your pricy gym membership and really like watching TV in bed more than you like vodka tonics.

So imagine my excitement at being able to tell you about a shiny new band! Imagine it - but then don't because it's about to happen right now.

Gaston are a five piece based here in San Francisco. They named their band after a tuxedo cat (that is factual information) but that is not why I like them. Okay it might be part of the reason. Technically they have been around since 2012 but after an almost year-long hiatus they very recently re-grouped, added a bass player, wrote a slew of new songs, filmed their first music video and drew a hundred people to a local venue on a Monday night where they eclipsed the band they were opening for in a way that was both slightly awkward and significantly awesome.

Also did I mention their music is REALLY good? I asked their drummer Brad to describe their sound (best interview question ever? Probably not but what can you do) and after some consideration he told me: "I would say it represents the folk side of the indy world with some big pop style harmonies and the occasional dance beat." Occasional may actually be an understatement, as there was certainly a very enthusiastic party pit happening in the front row for much of their Bottom of the Hill set.

What I appreciate about Gaston is there is just something very honest and authentic about their music without a lot of pretense or flash. Their sound has those classic americana elements (think intricate harmonies, big sing-along choruses, themes of roads traveled, loves lost and memories made) that make you feel like you've known their songs forever and a day even if the lyrics were just jotted down in a notebook only a few weeks prior. Listening to Gaston's music transports me to that drive home at the end of one of those long summer days you've spent in the sun and as it sets you realize you're living in a moment you don't ever want to let go of even though you know you have to. It's a good feeling and something that we all know and can relate to, which is why I have a good feeling that we are going to be hearing much more about this band very soon.

Listen to a few of their songs below, watch their video for 'Road' and if you happen to be in Los Angeles on May 3rd you can see them play live at this Pancakes and Booze Art Show. All you can eat pancakes and a talented band named after a cat? There is no better way to spend your Saturday people.