January Birthdays 
The Me Gustas – It Came from the Chum Bucket CD (Self-Released)
The Me Gustas, a trio from Sacramento, California have presented us with their fourth album/CD amongst a host of digital-only releases. As do their previous recordings, this one results from a compelling combination of a myriad of influences. Some that are more pronounced are the toe-tappin' fun of 50s rock ‘n roll, the angst of punk, and the joy of surf music. Like the waves of the sea, you know what’s coming… until you don’t.
The opener, “Kaiju Beach” opens with a Japanese “newscast” as eerie, siren-like notes resonate from the guitar. The tune then unfurls into a wild crescendo of sustained guitar chords, clever whammy bar action, a flurry of drums, and thundering bass undergirding the delivery. “PCH” is a melodic and catchy number. The interplay between the guitar and rhythm section makes this one of the standout tracks. “Vanishing Point” is a deceptively slow tune. It’s deceptive in that it’s slow… until it’s not. I like the dynamics of this track and its 4:27 runtime gives ample opportunity for a variety of emotions to be explored. Track four, “Last Kiss” is a thematic follow-up to “First Kiss” of 2022. They are stylistically similar exuding a 1950s style. While “Last Kiss” is more vibrant than the “First Kiss” it has, as you might expect a mournful sound. A duo of drinking-related ditties is served next. The energetic party anthem, “Infinite Beers,” with its catchy guitar chords, surfy solo, the steady bellowing of the bass guitar, and the utter annihilation of the ride cymbal’s bell is another one of my favorites! “Mujeres Borrachas” or “Drunk Women” is a deft continuation of the vibes of its predecessor. The skill in both the composition and playing is smile-inducing. If the automotive theme gets your gears turning, “Grandpa’s Wheels” and "Last of the V8s” are tracks 7 and 10, respectively. “Grandpa’s Wheels” is a clever, surfy, melodic number with an active rhythm section elevating the tune. “Last” is a well-chosen last track on the disc. The fluid dynamics, a range of tempos, and some of that vintage punk rock ethos make for an engaging listen. Backing up two entries, “It Came from the Chum Bucket” is one of 3 sub-three-minute tunes. It’s vivacious and fun from start to finish. “J St Circuit” is the longest track at 5:38. Within this tune, you hear many of the elements that make The Me Gustas an incredible band: the guitar work, reverberating bass, and animated percussion. You can sit with this for numerous listens as there is a good deal to take in.
The 10 tunes have an ample runtime of 36 minutes. For the collectors, there are only 25 CDs (in a jewel case) and 150 vinyl LPs. (Out of all their releases, this is the second recording to make an appearance on vinyl.) Put this zine down and pick up a copy here: https://themegustas.bandcamp.com/
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
—Matthew
Purchasae Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
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Last edited: Jan 07, 2025 15:59:22
