The Gretchens
Berkeley, California, United States
Music
Press
By Alex Baca
This article was published on 03.17.05.
Gnarly, dude! The Gretchens’ debut self-released album, Cover Your Ears, rides the waves on some totally tubular surf-rock riffs. This Orange County quartet has a wide variety of sounds on one CD, ranging from Dick Dale-esque guitar on the song “Roaches in My Pants” to rockabilly-meets-hardcore-punk vocals reminiscent of the Cramps on songs like “(You’re My) Rice Krispie Treat” and “Wesley Willis.” What sets this album apart is the Gretchens’ ability to write hilarious lyrics while having fun with their music. Unfortunately, some of the vocals on the album are too quiet, particularly on the tracks where lead vocalist Chacheena Gretchen sings by herself. But, overall, this album rocks as loud as you could hope for. Uncover your ears, stretch out on the beach and let the good times roll.
- Sacramento News & Review
Local trashy fun rock, garagey, punky, surfy, indie, all together with girl drummers and mostly female vocals. Great stuff, local weirdos from the school of Kitty Kat Spy Club, Mob Stereo, Lovechild, Muffs, Henry's Dress, Teenagers, Tiger Trap, and the Rondelles of course. Rough around the edges, strange production, some songs just sorta fade out and blend into the next leaving a big "huh?". I think its cool as shit. My new favorite local band. You gotta check out the band photos. Buncha freaks. I wish I could be their friend....
- KZSU-FM Quarterly Music Guide
Discography
2 Full Length CDs - "Cover Your Ears" and "Live - The KZSU Show"
Photos
Bio
The Gretchens are two chicks and two dudes who have been friends for more than 20-years (going back to the days when young Jay Pee Gretchen was still in short pants, in a manner of speaking). Guitarist Joseph Gretchen and virtuoso drummer Homer are both alumni of the long-forgotten Orange County band Flying Spit. Tired of playing Irish folk-tinged punk rock, the two left Flying Spit (who evolved into the Brodies featuring Mike Johnson on bass) to form the Gretchens, with founding members Chacheena (vocals) and Jay Pee Gretchen (bass).
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