Gringo Star
The Sides And In Between
Nevado Music
Listening to Gringo Starβs The Sides and in Between is like being transported to the summer of the β50s or β60s. From the moment the first few chords in βRottenβ kick off, the indie band is able to recreate that funky Hard-Rock sound that isnβt as common in the music industry these days. By recreating and not just imitating, it gives more of an authentic and enjoyable sound as well.
Reading into the bandβs history, itβs evident where their inspiration comes from.
Brothers Nick and Peter Furgiuele have an appreciation for older music. Their grandfather worked within the radio industry during the 1940s and β50s, promoting Rhythm and Blues and putting on a lot of shows. Many were Gospel-based, but some featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Sam Cooke. They would also go through their parentsβ collection of records and developed an interest in artists like Buddy Holly and The Kinks.
While the songs all carry the Classic Rock sound, they arenβt all restricted by it. Some have a more bouncy and fun Pop-Rock tone, while others are Bluesy and darker. The combining of different genres also keeps the album interesting, rather than completely repetitive. Whatβs also nice is that while taking on that old-timey vibe, Gringo Star doesnβt limit itself to physical instruments like some other bands do. For example, thereβs the computerized chime in βMagic,β the seagull calls in βGoing Home,β and a laugh track in βHeading South.β
What should also be noted is that while The Sides and in Between is a great revival album, Gringo Star isnβt pretentious or stuck-up about it in their sound. Itβs clear to hear they enjoy what they do and put effort into making their music.
The Sides and in Between is definitely an album that possesses lyrics and riffs that will get stuck in anyoneβs head. Itβs a fun, catchy, and overall good experience for fans of Indie or Classic Rock looking for something new to enjoy during any summerΒ activity.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GRINGO STAR – THE SIDES AND IN BETWEEN
Sabrina Biot