The latest album release, Garland, from Orange County natives, The Gitas, is a perfect blend of old-school rock with new-school hipster appeal. Introductory track “Brand New Life” opens with a heartbeat as the soothing vocals of singer/guitarist Sasha Chemerov leads us to a catchy chorus and we get an ‘easy feeling everything is great.’ The impressive trio blends a fuzzy sound of rock with an elegant splash of Seattle grunge. The big production is impressive considering the band consists of three members. Drummer Brittany Maccarello holds her own providing a steady backbone while offering listeners tastefully executed and seemingly effortless drum fills. Bass player Sal Ramazzini locks in and holds down the booming low-end sprinkled with precise runs that fill your headphones. The Gitas offer the perfect amount of dirty alt-rock and SXSW charm every KROQ artist has missed the mark on. They set themselves apart from the over polished cookie-cutter rock tunes spinning on national radio stations.

Garland flows from the intro track to a slow but steadily paced “Black Crows.” This is your new whiskey drinking jam at the end of the working week. The hypnotizing lyrics make you want to break from the stress of the week and soar with happiness. An eerie bridge leads us right back into the chorus and we can’t help shouting along. The single from Garland “Mood for Love” displays Sasha’s more raspy vocal talent in the vein of Kurt Cobain but the smooth accented falsetto sets the song apart. This is noticeably the most upbeat track on the album and displays the bands more Pop-oriented side. “Precious Day” is a heavy rock track that does not quit. From beginning to end the energy takes hold of you and the vocals erupt. Huge hard-hitting drums and gain turned up to 11—the band sounds like they will jump through your speakers to get their message across. Sasha’s vocal cords nearly rip apart by the time we get out of the heavy half-timed riff-laden bridge to the song’s end. Do yourself a favor and check out their new album Garland today.

Keep up to date with The Gitas here: www.thegitas.com

This was never a phase. Never just a time-period in my life. This was never something taken for granted. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be in a rock band. I wanted to share the love for what we created with anyone. I spent most of my life giving everything I could to play music in front of people. This is a passion. Recently, I was offered the opportunity to sit where The Doors became The Doors. I was offered a chance to hit drums where Tommy Lee sat. I can check it off my bucket list. I thrilled (and honored) to say I played The Whiskey a Go Go on the Sunset Strip in California.

A few nights ago, on a school night, a singer-songwriter who had moved to the LA area no more than 48 hours earlier saw some drum covers on YourFriendMatt.com. He emailed me about filling in for him on an upcoming show. I asked to check out the music and when the show was. As it turns out the he was on American Idol and the show was the next night. Intrigued, I asked where the show was and when the response was The Whiskey I packed the car with my gear and headed to learn their set of original songs until midnight…and was back at work at 7:00 the next morning. If that's not rock-n-roll…I don’t know what is. Getting out of work Jamie and I raced (crawled on the 10 and 405...at rush hour) to get to the show.

Stepping onto a stage that has impacted and helped launch so many careers is indescribable. I was half tempted to bow down to pay homage praying I was worthy enough to be here. I have preformed and traveled all over the US managing or playing in bands, but this experience will be one that I talk about for the rest of my days. I mean Frank Zappa, The Byrds, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond, Motely Crue, Jimi Hendrix and, again, The Doors have all been here. The show went off without a hitch and we played well for only knowing each other for 5 hours. The rock gods must have looked down on us.

Jamie and I moved to LA for adventure, change of pace, to gain life experience and learn about each other…and ourselves. But hey, if an opportunity opened up to be creative and play some shows with some great people that’s awesome too.

-YourFriendMatt

The Gitas Album Review...

The Whiskey a Go Go...