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Over the past three years, Comanchero has developed its signature "Cactus Rock" sound, drawing from the diverse musical backgrounds of its seasoned members. Singer / Songwriters Sam Margolis and Greg Moon began writing and recording together in 2003. Moon, fresh from drumming for MC Kabir, had added hip-hop to his repertoire of rock beats and soulful vocals with Allagash 4 and Free Lunch. Margolis was spinning off his popular local Boston-based band Purchase Order, after having spent his high school and college years playing and writing with Blue Merle frontman Lucas Reynolds in hometown Cornwall, Vermont. Purchase Order’s funk-roots bassist Andrew Kramer became the third of the group which added fuel to its fire with the addition of high-energy hard-rock lead guitarist, Bob Moon.
Comanchero’s influences are as idiosyncratic as its choice of name, ranging from Merle Haggard and Frank Zappa, to Little Feat and Widespread Panic. Elements of country, funk, hip-hop, rock, and roots can be heard in the Gringo sound which has been likened to a Southern-rock Cake or 311.
The stage energy, combined with carefully crafted songs and precise execution distinguish El Gringo as one of the rising groups in New England. The band’s sound is unique, diverse, and totally danceable. As Jane Lindholm, Director and Associate Producer at NPR wrote: "Alt-Country Folk Rock melodies combine with great hooks and catchy lyrics to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience."
Since the group's formation, Comanchero has plied its high energy sound at venues throughout the Northeast. Recent shows have included The Middle East Downstairs (Cambridge, MA), Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT), Harpoon Brewstock 2005 (South Boston, MA), Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME), Matt Murphy's Pub (Brookline, MA), TT the Bear’s Place (Cambridge, MA), The Burren (Somerville, MA), and Performing on Boston's Hatch Shell and playing with ZZ Top at the Meadowbrook Pavillion in NH.
Sharing the stage with acts such as ZZ Top, Southern Culture on The Skids, The Boston Horns, Pressure Cooker, The Carla Ryder Band, Rachel McCartney, Papermoon, The Everyday Visuals, and The Unbusted, Comanchero continues to absorb varied musical styles into its dynamic lyricism and performance persona. Incorporating a smattering of covers into their sets, Comanchero offers fans a unique perspective on the band’s varied muses such as a boot-stomping country-rock rendition of Rage Against the Machine’s Sleep Now in the Fire.
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Live Review
The Noise March 2006
"Comanchero takes the stage and tears it up like old pros with their brand of self proclaimed 'Cactus Rock.' Drummer/ vocalist Greg Moon has the crowd under his thumb with some high octane vocals and high tempo fills. There’s a slick blend of country, pop, and rock but it’s the twangy numbers that really get people on the dance floor doing the old two-step."
-Kier Byrnes
Three Day Threshold & The Noise
Comanchero Album Review
Performer Magazine Feb. 2006
Comanchero describes their sound as “Country Funk Punk” and “Sexy Hick Music.” Whether this was a goal they set out to meet, or a style that just evolved, there is hardly a better description. Comanchero opens with “Radiator Coming,” a funky, twangy track with definite hick influence (what other demographic would sing about their radiators?). The sound morphs throughout the album from a sweet melody with prominent lyrics in “Two Lanes,” to rambling electric guitar and slick tempo changes in “Cordoba.” They don’t commit to one formula, but always stay safely within the bounds of their self-determined genre.
The vocals have a rootsy, tinny, far-off quality on some tracks, yet on others meld lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm into a cohesive whole. Comanchero has forged a record that alternately soothes and rocks. Despite some raunchy Hendrix-esque guitar, they aren’t afraid to show a softer side. The quartet features two guitars, bass, and drums, all utilized to hone their honest, no-nonsense sound. Their grassroots vocals are engaging atop the minimal productions that highlight a clear instrumental tone. Comanchero is a testament to the band’s synergy, tight and carefully engineered. (Licensed to Horse Fuel Records)
-April Wachtel
http://www.performermag.com/nep.recrevs.php |
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Acoustic
