Steve Gattermeyer (Band)

Stockholm Sin Drone, the first new studio album from Steve Gattermeyer in five years. Stockholm Sin Drone represents a trip back to his roots as well as a few unexpected surprises. Those who have followed Gattermeyer’s blend of straight ahead rock and hard pop have come to expect three chord bashers as well as catchier and almost danceable power poppers. And this album has more of the former.

Songs like “Sin It Up” will no doubt satisfy the rocker in you while the shadowy and sinister mood of “Bite and Laugh” and “Black Candles and Bloody Noses” (two of this CDs standout tracks which also feature Gattermeyer’s trademark fiery guitar solos) will show footprints on darker paths Gattermeyer has chosen to tread. Power poppers rejoice! This disc features one of his best hooks to date with the debut single, “Home Sweet Oslo”, which, unless you’re comatose, will have you tapping your feet and screaming, not singing, along with the choruses. The biggest departure from the norm is the song “Those Stupid Little Things”, a three minute Rush-type instrumental which proves that musically Gattermeyer and his studio band have the bite to match their bark and gives each member a moment or two to show their chops.

This CD, titled presumably from Gattermeyer’s roots in Scandinavia, is his best yet. And will be a welcome return for not only those who’ve followed his music but anyone looking for that rock fix that’s harder and harder to find in today’s angst ridden and confused rock music scene.

Michael Resbury,
Rude Tunes Zine
August 2007
- Rude Tunes 'Zine (UK)

Steve Gattermeyer - Stockholm Sin Drone (Albumi)

Steve Gattermeyer. Täytyy sanoa, etten ole koskaan kuullut miehestä. Kun laitan levyn soimaan, mieli muuttuu. Olenhan minä. Jos en Gattermeyerin musiikkia niin ainakin ei-niin-kadonnutta artistiveljeään, Danko Jonesia. Kuulostaa hämäävän paljon tuolta kanadalaisorkesterilta. Kuuntelepa rinnan Gattermeyerin Stockholm Sin Dronea ja Dankon uutukaista, Code of the Roadia. Tsekkaa jos et usko, sanoi jo City-lehtikin aikoinaan.
Gattermeyer on Ohiosta ja soittaa, kuten jo todettua, kovasti Kanadan maille viittaavaa rokettirollia, levyllä on kappale nimeltään Home Sweet Oslo ja levynkantta koristaa Ruotsin lippu - alaspäin käännettyä ristiä muistuttavalla asettelulla varustettua, tosin. Kaveri onkin kovasti aktiivinen Skandinavian ja Baltian seuduilla, mistä voi olla vain iloinen. Nimittäin jos tämän tason rokkaajia saadaan Suomenkin alaville maille esiintymään, niin voilá. Tällaiset tekijät palauttavat uskon rockmusiikkiin, uudelleenlanseeraten myös tuota paljon puhutun rollin.

Aina voi käydä itsensä ja muiden kanssa keskustelua siitä, mikä on rockin uudelleenelävöintiä ja mikä vain vanhan toistoa. Edustaako Gattermayerin musiikki taantumusta vaiko jotain aivan uutta. Asiaa huomaa itsekin pohtivansa, mutta tuleeko siitä hullua hurskaammaksi? Musiikki viihdyttää ja siitä saa niitä paljon puhuttuja kiksejä. Onko muulla väliä? Ei. Oman näkemyksen läpituominen, edes osittainen, on ilahduttavaa toimintaa ja siinä Steve kumppaneineen - kompakti trio - ei juurikaan onnistu. Sen saattaakin jo käsittää miinukseksi.

Jos lopullinen tuomio langetetaan omaperäisyyden perusteella, Ohion poikia odottavat ohkaiset olot. Jos puntarin lopullisen lukeman määrittää puolestaan viihdyttävyys, nämä veikot raivaavat suvereenisti tiensä palkintopallille. Nelonen siitä ropsahti. Ammattikouluasteikolla tosin, joten hyvin meni. Ja menee.

Arvostelija: Juhani Orismaa
Arvosteltu: 06.05.2008
Pisteet: 4/5
Julkaistu: 2008
Bändin kotisivu: www.sgrockweb.com
Sivun URL: http://www.noise.fi/levyarvostelut/?id=8727
- www.noise.fi (Finland)

Steve Gattermeyer Band
The Mutiny October 13th 2007

Steve Gattermeyer is a name I have heard more than a
few times. As many circuiteers know he made a name for
himself in Chicago a few years ago when he made
frequent tour stops here. And developed a loyal
following by playing with local acts (many of which he
was friends with). But I never did see his band
perform. So when I got word of his recent gig through
his press release to WRUW I figured I’d go see his
show.
The Steve Gattermeyer Band hails from both Ohio and
Sweden.
This was from what I understand a comeback show as
Gattermeyer has been away for awhile and recently
released a new cd, Stockholm Sin Drone, his first in
five years.
The show was at everyone’s favorite rat hole, the
Mutiny. He was playing with two bands I have
previously reviewed, the Soft Targets and the Box
Bruisers, and a third band so young that the drummer’s
dad drove them to the gig, World Wide Riot.
Around one hundred of Chicago’s rockers turned up to
take in the show. I am not clear as to how many people
were there for each band as this was a bit of an odd
show in that all through the night the floor in front
of the stage was bare of audience members. The crowd
sort of lingered around the back of the room except
for a couple of punks who bum rushed the stage before
being thrown out on their Mohawks. I went to
investigate thinking maybe someone barfed near the
stage keeping everyone at bay. But I could see nothing
to indicate recycled acid and brew. Oh well.
The Steve Gattermeyer Band played a tight forty minute
set in the second slot. The set was compiled of songs
from all four of Gattermeyer’s solo albums. I am
familiar with very little of his music other than what
is played by my friends at WRUW (most recently the
single, Home Sweet Oslo). But the band’s reputation is
that of a loud power pop blend much befitting a
following here. This was a bit of a selling point for
me and I admittedly was anticipating seeing this show.
I was a bit surprised by what I received!
The band started off with a rocking number and then
into a few of those power pop toe tappers. I don’t
know if this was just to get warmed up or if to set
the audience up for a wallop because no sooner was my
leg keeping the beat when they just went crazy! I
guess the equivalent to having your face ripped off
and then re-attached with nails and a ball peen
hammer. Loud, fast and hard was the order for two
thirds of the set. The first song to start the assault
was from the new cd and titled Black Candles and
Bloody Noses. I was instantly hooked when hearing the
lyric “put the phone on the Ouija board/we’ll make a
call to the afterworld”. And then followed several
more songs with as much if not more of the very
welcomed musical and lyrical kick to the groin. One of
the latter songs in the set included a sing along of
Sweet Home Alabama in Swedish…I think.
The band, a trio, is composed of Gattermeyer on guitar
and vocals, drummer Roger Cottle and bassist Dave
Lenehan.
The musicianship was top notch and more than worth a
mention here. Gattermeyer was in no way shy about his
ability to shred; Cottle could easily be the drummer
for a prog band; and bassist Lenehan threw out bass
lines that made you forget this is a one guitar band.
I find it odd that these guys are musicians of this
level and have made their mark playing with primarily
punk and indie bands.
Bottom line is that these guys wailed! I am
disappointed in myself for not seeing them sooner. And
I am disappointed in them for waiting so long to come
back here.
I went to this show to write a review on one of
Chicago’s rock underground imports and have a few Old
Styles and I left a fan. I bought the cd at show’s end
and was pleased to receive all three of the
Gattermeyer’s previous releases for the price of
$10.00!
For those in the know you are familiar with what this
band is live. For those who aren’t don’t follow my
example of waiting too long to see them. Check ‘em out
Chicago!
If this was a comeback tour then I hope they continue
to do just that: come back.

Nevin Pace - Windy City Secret (Chicago, USA)

Stockholm Sin Drone (SoniCraft)
Steve Gattermeyer

Steve Gattermeyer. What can be said? Is he Swedish? Is he American? Where exactly is he from? More importantly why should we care? His newest CD offers up plenty of reasons it would be great to have him living nearby...providing he rehearses in his basement.

I have a neigbor whose band rehearses in their basement. And my boyfriend has a similar neigbor who does the same. The thing is they both keep rehearsing the same Godsmack and Linkin Park songs trying to nail down the American rock charts. And I must wonder if living next to Steve Gattermeyer would mean listening to him rehearsing everything but the American rock charts. Just what do his American neigbors think of a band who sings about Oslo and Stockholm? I don't know. But I know what I think of it.

Sure I have a bit of Nordic bias in seeing the titles on this disc. But that doesn't take away the fact that rock is alive and well the world over. But not all US exports are angry and bitter. Some just rock!

This CD brings about assurance that there's plenty going on across the Atlantic that isn't all lip piercings and saggy pants. Indeed there is an underground in the States. And I'm grateful Gattermeyer's dwellings there have produced Stockholm Sin Drone.

Do I recommend this disc? In case you haven't guessed it YES!

September, 2007 - Hålla Rytmen Rullande zine (Sweden)

Steve Gattermeyer Band
The Mutiny October 13th 2007

Steve Gattermeyer is a name I have heard more than a
few times. As many circuiteers know he made a name for
himself in Chicago a few years ago when he made
frequent tour stops here. And developed a loyal
following by playing with local acts (many of which he
was friends with). But I never did see his band
perform. So when I got word of his recent gig through
his press release to WRUW I figured I’d go see his
show.
The Steve Gattermeyer Band hails from both Ohio and
Sweden.
This was from what I understand a comeback show as
Gattermeyer has been away for awhile and recently
released a new cd, Stockholm Sin Drone, his first in
five years.
The show was at everyone’s favorite rat hole, the
Mutiny. He was playing with two bands I have
previously reviewed, the Soft Targets and the Box
Bruisers, and a third band so young that the drummer’s
dad drove them to the gig, World Wide Riot.
Around one hundred of Chicago’s rockers turned up to
take in the show. I am not clear as to how many people
were there for each band as this was a bit of an odd
show in that all through the night the floor in front
of the stage was bare of audience members. The crowd
sort of lingered around the back of the room except
for a couple of punks who bum rushed the stage before
being thrown out on their Mohawks. I went to
investigate thinking maybe someone barfed near the
stage keeping everyone at bay. But I could see nothing
to indicate recycled acid and brew. Oh well.
The Steve Gattermeyer Band played a tight forty minute
set in the second slot. The set was compiled of songs
from all four of Gattermeyer’s solo albums. I am
familiar with very little of his music other than what
is played by my friends at WRUW (most recently the
single, Home Sweet Oslo). But the band’s reputation is
that of a loud power pop blend much befitting a
following here. This was a bit of a selling point for
me and I admittedly was anticipating seeing this show.
I was a bit surprised by what I received!
The band started off with a rocking number and then
into a few of those power pop toe tappers. I don’t
know if this was just to get warmed up or if to set
the audience up for a wallop because no sooner was my
leg keeping the beat when they just went crazy! I
guess the equivalent to having your face ripped off
and then re-attached with nails and a ball peen
hammer. Loud, fast and hard was the order for two
thirds of the set. The first song to start the assault
was from the new cd and titled Black Candles and
Bloody Noses. I was instantly hooked when hearing the
lyric “put the phone on the Ouija board/we’ll make a
call to the afterworld”. And then followed several
more songs with as much if not more of the very
welcomed musical and lyrical kick to the groin. One of
the latter songs in the set included a sing along of
Sweet Home Alabama in Swedish…I think.
The band, a trio, is composed of Gattermeyer on guitar
and vocals, drummer Roger Cottle and bassist Dave
Lenehan.
The musicianship was top notch and more than worth a
mention here. Gattermeyer was in no way shy about his
ability to shred; Cottle could easily be the drummer
for a prog band; and bassist Lenehan threw out bass
lines that made you forget this is a one guitar band.
I find it odd that these guys are musicians of this
level and have made their mark playing with primarily
punk and indie bands.
Bottom line is that these guys wailed! I am
disappointed in myself for not seeing them sooner. And
I am disappointed in them for waiting so long to come
back here.
I went to this show to write a review on one of
Chicago’s rock underground imports and have a few Old
Styles and I left a fan. I bought the cd at show’s end
and was pleased to receive all three of the
Gattermeyer’s previous releases for the price of
$10.00!
For those in the know you are familiar with what this
band is live. For those who aren’t don’t follow my
example of waiting too long to see them. Check ‘em out
Chicago!
If this was a comeback tour then I hope they continue
to do just that: come back.

Nevin Pace - Windy City Secret (Chicago, USA)