Gonculator
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Gonculator

Rochester, New York, United States | INDIE

Rochester, New York, United States | INDIE
Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Epic Album: Gonculator's Family Restaurant"

Forgive me if the following blog may sound superlative. I normally make my best effort to be objective not only in my analysis of the arts, but also in the way a write when I review. I am absolutely impressed, inspired and (dare I say) entertained by this Gonculator’s Family Restaurant. When was the last time you sat down and felt compelled to literally listen to an entire album? It has been a long time for me.

Gonculator is a rock group comprised of four truly talented college age musicians (vocals/guitar, lead guitar, bass, drums).

What an adventure this album is! Family Restaurant sends you on a wildly energetic, snidely clever, and thoroughly entertaining journey through several faces of rock. Gonculator’s icon (the two faced smiley face) is indeed an explicit allusion to the character of their music as the album is split into 16 tracks; each a it’s own new fresh and creative idea. Despite the many permutations, there are several congruences that binds the album to the brand of the artist.

One aspect is that is readily apparent is the fact that this band does not go on auto-pilot. Too many artists these days get by putting out albums that have flat tracks: clinging onto one groove or one theme resulting in a complacent delivery. Gonculator tastefully, yet meticulously, weaves their tracks with several ideas and feels, while carefully organizing their masterpieces as to not overwhelm the listener with too much info. As I have learned at music school, these are the characteristics of true songwriting skill.

Another trademark of this colorful album is its sarcastic, sly and quirky lyrical content. A good part of the entertainment that can be derived from enjoying this album is the goofy delivery of Jake Kodweis as he leads Gonculator in their canny commentary on American culture. Despite the bizarre content of their prose, it is likely that you will find yourself relating to Gonculator’s views and how they describe them. In all this, they keep the balance between vocals and instrumentals bottle-top-pop fresh - placing as much emphasis on instrumental breakdowns as they do on their verses.

Normally I try to relate the music I hear to artists who have come before them - but I can’t tell you who Gonculator has been listening to because it has without a doubt been everybody in the great history of rock. It has the playfulness of punk, the explorations of experimental rock, the tenacity of old school hard rock and more. What do I catch a glimpse of (amongst a list of dozens [no exaggeration])?: Queen, ACDC, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, Led Zepplin, Brand New (there is one track where they totally poke fun at emo [and i love it]), Mogwai/Explosions in the Sky, U2, The Hendrix Experience and the list goes on. Their sound is so eclectic that you cannot neatly fold up and categorize Gonculator (in the good way).

But, can you take this music seriously? Hell yea. Don’t let their playful lyrics distract you from their serious ability to rock. They are facilitated by solid technical chops, creative/intelligent songwriting, and the energy to drive it all the way to your cerebrum. If you like rock, you will be seriously entertained. (this is rare >) I place my personal guaranty on that fact.

Much praise is due to the studio where they recorded this masterpiece: SubCat Music Studios of Syracuse, NY. This little (yet powerful) studio was able to capture, with high fidelity, the magic that Gonculator was creating within their walls. I really like the studio’s broad sound - it dissects the music and deliciously offers Gonculator to the ear.

Does Gonculator put on a good live show? Word on the street is a resounding yes. See Gonculator live at YouTube. You will witness head banging that would make Gene Simmons cry is pretty Kiss makeup off. This is real.

In closing, I’d like to thank Gonculator for the awesome music. I’d also like to thank whatever planet they were engineered for sending them to Earth, because we have been invaded by a truly original and creative gem, here to assimilate and inseminate the independent artist scene with a large dosage of straight rock. Also tell that planet that they aren’t getting Gonculator back. If you have made it this far down the blog and have not started listening to their myspace, (pardon me, but) do it now!! - The Forum


Discography

OMNOMNOM
2010
Fierce Little Records

Gonculator's Family Restaurant
2007
Fierce Little Records

Havinababy!
2005
Self-Released

The Asthma Single
2004
Self-Released

The Gonked! EP
2003
Self-Released

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

From 2003-2005 Gonculator self recorded and released The GONKED! Ep, The Asthma Single, and Havinababy! All were well received among family and friends, but it wasn’t until their college years that the boys started to get recognition from strangers.

Enrolled at SUNY Fredonia, Gonculator began selling out shows, both on and off campus. With succint songwriting and an intense live show, they went on to compete in the Fredfest 2006 battle of the bands. Consequently, they won an opening slot for Rufus Wainright at the festival, playing for their biggest audience yet, which caught the attention of Fierce Little Records CEO Jim Goldsworthy.

On March 3rd, 2007, their debut full-length album Gonculator’s Family Restaurant was released. Word of Gonculator’s epic rock music, satirical lyricism, and high-energy performances got out, landing them gigs with bands such as Damiera, Hopewell, and Anathallo, live radio spots in Rochester and Syracuse (Live at The Red House), as well as a multitude of festivals in western New York (Taste of Syracuse w/ Dicky Betts, Taste of Syracuse w/ Eddie Money, Atma Rising Music Festival, Mad Fest, and The Lifeplace Revolution Tour).

From 2008 to 2009 tours were self-booked and Gonculator continued to captivate audiences in the Eastern U.S. receiving praises from press, radio, and the online community. This led to recognition from acclaimed artist & producer, Mark Kramer (Ween, Butthole Surfers, Gwar, King Missile…) who offered to master their second full-length album: OMNOMNOM. The proposal was accepted and OMNOMNOM was released by Fierce Little Records in May 2010. The band continues to grow musically, and tour regularly.

"Band that is on the rise ... and very very good ... think Pavement meets the Talking Heads meets the Beatles ..."
- WNY Music

"Operates like a well-oiled rock clock..."
- Syracuse New Times

"A packed house by 11 p.m. for a show that was set to go until 2 a.m. told me that I was in for something… Gonculator is clearly a skilled group with a wide range of influences."
- City Newspaper