If I recall correctly, I saw local band The Mole People at a Stem and Leaf house party showcase a few years back. Full disclosure: My esteemed coworker and Texas Music Matters colleague Art Levy is a member of the band. So, being the Austin Music Minute maven, I thought I’d check ’em out. It’s what I do. I wanted to show my support and placed myself right up front.
I love surprises like that. My jaw remained on the floor for quite some time, thanks to vocalist Joshua Gamma‘s extraordinary energy. I was impressed with the rawness of his performance. There’s no question – Gamma is the front man. He brings it all to the table with one massive set of pipes.
The band has described itself as “psych punk,” to be more specific. It truly is this maniacal upheaval of garage rock, punk, power pop, and ‘60s fuzz, with all manner of brass, percussion and even lap-steel. There is also that one very important distinction – a soulful wailing worthy of following in the footsteps of James Brown. Gamma is on fire. This is no formulaic presentation. Once he’s at the mic, it’s no holds barred.
If you haven’t seen them yet, you’re in luck. Check out The Mole People at a Free Week show tonight at the Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. at Navasota. It’ll be high energy and great performances all around with The Nouns and Night Court on the bill. Doors open at 8 p.m. Don’t be shy. Rock out. Recommended.
[audio:https://kutx.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AMM-January-10th-2013.mp3]
