A.W. Thompson

Gas Pump Talent: Ella Mae Rose at Hooligans Icehouse - youtube

Next up, Gas Pump Talent from Springfield, MO – who describe their own sound as “stomp and holler” – showed they’ve learned to cunningly mash-up more acoustic genres than can be listed – and well. Sadly, I was out of eyesight of the stage throughout their relatively short set. Fortunately, I heard them just fine – recordBar’s sound guys consistently set a high bar. Gas Pump Talent showcased musically captivating, campfire, Ozark-styled country-crunk that had DNA speckles of Dylan, Springsteen and Waits sprinkled throughout. Their performance was infectious, often lending to an Irish folk vibe that beckoned you to order a whiskey drink, pull a chair up front, and sing along with any reoccurring stanza you heard. I recall debating their genre with some friends as we listened…this was much in vein, which always makes me happy. The Midwest consistently cultivates great bands that are hard to paint into a corner. ¡Viva Springfield!

- The Deli

Austin Thompson and Ty Hutchens of GasPump Talent are the epitome of indie music. Inventing a truly original sound, their latest album, No Place in History, available on iTunes, is full of songs that get stuck in your head with guitar-strumming, foot-stomping beats, and deep, gravely voices. Their songwriting is refreshing, full of stories and meaningful lyrics.

The first song on the album, ‘Ruler of the Elves,’ paints a vivid picture of a young outcast boy who finds his identity in music. (Was always talking to myself / When everyone around was talking with somebody else / I send myself a letter and address it to the elves of the world I ruled in… I found a guitar in a room / Beside a book of letters that told me what to do / A wooden box with strings that made me feel I was in tune / With the world it was magic.)
The intro to ‘Revolution’ showcases Thompson’s surprisingly beautiful, smooth, expressive vocal abilities, then jumps into Gaspump’s signature outlaw country beat and Thompson and Hutchens’ playful, raspy harmonies and melody.
In the small, dim-lit establishments of Springfield, Missouri, they always have a great support group of fans. They have an incredibly unique sound, one that’s difficult to put a finger on, but once you’ve felt the pulse, you’ll find yourself singing along to their easy, laid back feel, indebted to Johnny Cash and reminiscent of the rhythmic accompaniment of railroad songs. It is fascinating music, and impressive to watch these two guys singing and simultaneously playing guitars, booming drums and harmonica.
Deitra Mag sits down with the duo to discuss their songwriting, influences, and - the thing that makes it all happen - the fans.
- Deitra Mag

Gas Pump Talent made their way up from Springfield, Mo to play the Cafe Acoustic for the third time this weekend. Having one good turnout in St. Joe and one lackluster turnout they were hoping for an enthusiastic crowd and got it.

The raw two man band tore into their set with one of their best songs with “Ella Mae Rose” right away. They then touched on their only available recording The No Place In History EP by performing the title track and high school outcast anthem “Ruler of the Elves.” The band would get a very strong reception right away from a crowd that would stay for most of their epic set. Gas Pump Talent started their music a few minutes after 11:00 and would continue to play without a break until 12:45 for a mammoth hour and 45 minutes of songs, right up until last call at the Cafe Acoustic. At one point even saying they were going to play until the crowd let them know when to stop.
While the band has a very healthy amount of original songs they would once again mix in several carefully selected covers. The covers included songs by Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Lucero and Social Distortion. The Merle Haggard song “Old Man From The Mountain” has become a staple in the Springfield, Mo band’s setlist. Lucero’s “All Sewn Up” fits in perfectly with Gas Pump Talent’s original songs and many times would not even be picked as a cover if the band didn’t give credit, which they do. The prize for most cover songs performed went to Johnny Cash as the band did “A Boy Named Sue” “Cocaine Blues” and fulfilled a request with “Folsom Prison Blues.” A large block of mostly covers was ended with back to back Social Distortion songs in “Sick Boy” and “Ball and Chain” two more very fitting songs for the band.

As the band wrapped up their enthusiastic show they hit on more original songs including the live favorites “The Booze Tastes Like Blood” and “The Duck Song.” The band would end their show the same way they began it; by reprising the song “Ella Mae Rose,” The crowd didn’t seem to mind hearing it again one bit.

The only disappointing part of the evening was that more of Gas Pump Talent’s songs aren’t available to buy. Their only recording is the 6-song No Place In History Ep. While it is a very good collection of songs with “No Place In History” “Ruler of the Elves” and “Born On The Fourth of July” the band has many other very good originals that I’m sure audiences would be eager to buy. The most notable of these songs are “Ella Mae Rose” and “The Duck Song.” Hopefully the guys will travel north again soon with some t-shirts to buy and some more of their concert staples put on a cd.
- Vocals On Top