The Gitas – Garland (Album Review)

Los Angeles is no stranger to music. In fact, it’s often referred to as the mecca of music. Most bands on their way to national prominence, eventually make their way to LA. In baseball terms, if a national tour is the Major Leagues, LA is Triple-A. Having said that, I’ve grown jaded with a lot of the bands that I’ve found in that scene. Most of them have become cookie cutters or boring if you dare. That’s where The Gitas entered the picture. Having been jaded by so many of the same acts, I thought to myself, “Oh boy…more of the same.” Thank goodness I was wrong!

With an eclectic mix of influences, The Gitas have created something vivid and cool. If the musical wizards were to conjure up a formula and name it The Gitas; the mixture would be 1/4 The Black Keys, 1/4 The White Stripes, 1/8 The Bronx, 1/8 Cake, 1/8 Silverchair and 1/8 Marcy Playground. Intrigued yet? I thought so.

Here’s the rule though, I’m only going to go over a few of my favorites and then leave the rest of the discovery to you.

The album starts off on the lightest of all the tracks on the album. Not sure I totally agree with that decision, as I like to jump right in…BUT, I will say that the way Brand New Life eases into things is rather refreshing and it does set up the next track beautifully.

Speaking of the next track, you need look no further than Black Crows to hear The Black Keys influence. There, you’ll find the lane where the band fits best. Sitting back in a nice groove, the band takes it up a notch with the (in my humble opinion at least) most singable chorus on the album. The musical layers are nice and the mood is perfect. This one is a track that has made it’s way into my own personal playlist.

Once Black Crows delivers it’s wondrous, bluesy journey, The Gitas hit you with the heaviest, most psychedelic, coolest White Stripes-esque track on the album. My Baby Gets Stuck (With Drugs) is gorgeous in it’s simplistic heaviness. If you don’t find yourself tapping your toe or bobbing your head to this one, you are probably missing a pulse. You should probably have that checked out…or not. Are you seriously turning blue?

Anyways, Mood For Love is the single and it’s a super-catchy, dancy, punk inspired tune that belongs in a Quentin Tarantino film. It’s quirky, it’s cool and it will make you move. Just don’t ask me how I know!

So let me sum it all up for you. Vocally, Sasha Chemerov brings a grungy feel to this album, while the backbeats provided by bassist Sal Ramazzini and Brittany Maccarello are dancy, yet equally heart-pounding. Add in the dual attack of guitars provided by Sasha and Joe Guese and you’ve got yourself a real winner.

In this age where Indie Rock is the current King, this band should have no problem finding themselves plenty of new fans. The Gitas have created a their own style, while staying within the limits of familiarity and not straying into any alienating territories. If you’re into any of the bands I’ve mentioned, you owe it to yourself to give them a shot. The album is only $7 on Bandcamp.

Always remember, “Support the artists or lose the art.”

Unsung Melody Score: 7.5 out of 10

Keep up with The Gitas below:
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