Il Gato

hometown: San Francisco, CA

categories: Folk, Indie Rock

for fans of: The Dodos, The Felice Brothers, Beirut

why you should check them out:
A swirling pastiche of acoustic folk and baroque pop, the lithe songs and uptempo rhythms of San Francisco’s Il Gato make for a spirited musical cavalcade rich in textures and tones.

background check:
Though Il Gato is a Bay Area staple, singer/songwriter Damian Holiday Scott, a former architect, was still living in his native Gainesville, FL, when Il Gato’s musical blueprints came into being. His 2007 solo home recordings, “conversationmusic,” are considered the primitive efforts that would eventually evolve into what Il Gato is today. After relocating across the country, Scott joined up with fellow musicians to bring the band’s newly embellished folk pop to life.

The group, currently consisting of Scott accompanied by pianist/trumpeter/vocalist Matthew Souther, upright bassist/vocalist Andrew Thomas, and drummer/vocalist Johnny Major, released their official debut album, All these Slippery Things, in 2010 to overwhelming critical praise. Recorded at San Francisco’s iconic Tiny Telephone Recording Studio, the album is highlighted by emotionally charged lyrics sung with impassioned harmonies and a diverse delivery that incorporates reggae, country, and classical elements with ease.

Following up where their debut LP left off, Il Gato are currently playing in support of their companion EP record, All those Slippery Things. Comprised of new material taken from the same Tiny Telephone session, the new release acts as almost an extended B-side to 2010's LP, offering a similar yet delightfully fresh take on the group's sound.

website: http://www.ilgato.com

on tour: click here

buy more music: click here