The Gents: Folk Rock And Then Some

The Gents (Photo credit: The Gents Facebook page)

This guest blog article is by Joana Ortiz.

I’ve been itching to write about these guys. Two buddies from Richmond, Virginia (Matthew ‘Matty’ Blissard and Kevin Manship, both on vocals/guitar), plus a Texan (Tyler Jordan, bass/vocals), plus a Montanan (Martin McCain, drums) performed their first show as The Gents in mid-2012.

Since then, they’ve been playing all over town and have even been guests at the Do512 Lounge.

Like George Michael Always Said: Jitterbug

I’ve seen The Gents perform in the past, and the best way to describe their show in a nutshell would have to be “jitterbug.” I’m not referring to 1940’s secret dance clubs. I’m talking upbeat tempos that make you move like ants are seeking asylum in your shoes. That’s definitely what you’ll see with Matty, who’s crowned as the shuffler on stage.

“Matty” Blissard and Kevin Manship on guitars and lead vocals (Photo credit: Kaitlyn Grimsland)

Typical to most shows, there seems to be a formula of sound and an interchange between upbeat and slower tempo songs. You have a crafty sound of careful and skillful drumming, an animated bassist, Andrew Simmons (subbing for Tyler), and vocals shared amongst all. Lead vocals are primarily shared between Matty and Kevin. They both contribute to what I call the “folk-rock-and-then-some” sound.

“Folk rock and then some” (Photo credit: Kaitlyn Grimsland)

When I asked the guys over beer at Cheer Up Charlie’s (outdoor seating galore) about what influences them, classic rock and Broken Social Scene were among the things listed. However, a shocking revelation from Matty got me thinking:

“I really don’t listen to music…whatever my parents played in the car is what I listened to…I really liked the Beach Boys!”

Giggle, giggle, you think. But I sat there with the most dumbfounded face known to man, shocked by the talent of this group considering they don’t have any heavy influencing factors.

You can’t beat talent and a good time. So what do you say? Join The Gents on October 10th at Cheer Up Charlie’s?

Photo credit: Kaitlyn Grimsland

In the meantime…Follow their every move on Facebook, Twitter, and check out their EP!

@JoanaOrtiz asks:

Which Austin band makes you want to dance?

Joana Ortiz is proudly a native Austinite, a social worker by day, and a music lover by eternity. You can follow her nonsensical and hoodrat thoughts on Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pass to The Gents’ recent show for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.