Gringo Star’s self-titled EP may cause you to ask whether you really know our Classic Rock. You might know the songs repeated ad nauseam on the local Classic Rock station, but can you then identify the influences as they all converge into an artist like Gringo Star? They sound very Classic, definitely disciples of the 60′s and 70′s, but they have woven it so tightly that they aren’t just throwing up mimicry.
“No Man” becomes central in this Classic discipleship/creating your own voice workshop. Although it sounds like a set piece, hearkening strongly back to piano boogie rockabilly with plenty of swagger, still this is where Gringo Star seems to weave it together most seamlessly.
Others on this 6-track release are excellent efforts, although acting like highlights from the influence reel. “Coming for You” takes the Kinks, the Who, and the Beatles on a rolling tom-tom ride. “Esmerelda” takes Robert Rodriguez’s approach to Tex Mex Rock, bringing biker rock and Classic Rock down south. There’s a surf rock/border guitar feel on “No Reason,” along with some Britrock, Radio 4 urgency, and a punk kick.
Gringo Star’s approach throughout the EP owes much to AltCountry, although “Transmission” is the nomination for the “AltCountry Heritage Collection” with its Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt vision across the sky while probably looking back to Buffalo Springfield.
Thank you to Gringo Star for the review CD.
