Austin-based quintet Surly Gates has crafted a sound that defies easy genre classification, but their DNA is undeniably rock and roll. The songs exude a classic, decidedly American sound, pulling from psychedelic, garage, desert, west coast and southeast sounds as inspiration and blending them into a shimmering, harmony-cloaked, reel-to-reel mosaic. Founding members James Webber and Jonathan Lennartz wandered into an abandoned compound in East Austin with a handful of dusty, ramshackle, just-north-of-Mexico songs, and set up some microphones. They were soon joined by Rusty Boyer adding some weirder guitar work and vocal harmonies that could only come from the rust belt. Marshall Owen contributes bass arrangements, more harmonies and a mind-bent Mason-Dixon influence. David Leland Horton is the engine, the drummer and harmonizer, fulfilling the prophecy of the band's nomadic legacy and completing the lineup. Surly Gates creates a hazy atmosphere with darker subject matter, ramshackle sensibilities and deceptively detailed arrangements. The band is gearing up for the Spring 2015 release of their next EP featuring all original songs recorded at Converse Rubber Tracks Studios and in other strange locations throughout Central Texas. SXSW 2014 saw the band share the Converse Rubber Tracks Showcase stage with the Black Angels and White Denim as part of a hand-picked lineup chosen to reflect the new sounds coming out of the Austin scene. They were also a Deli Magazine Artist of the Month in April of 2014. Surly Gates will be performing for their second consecutive year at SXSW. Listen and learn more at www.surlygates.com.

Press:

"Although this Austin ensemble is yet to record their debut full-length, the Surly Gates’ have already created a promising collection of period-perfect gems: Gorgeous harmonies and jangly chords are delivered with a bittersweet loveliness; resurrecting the ghosts of endless summers past."
- Chybucca Sounds, 2013

"Austin, TX has a proud psychedelic heritage which stretches all the way back to the mid sixties and legendary acts like the 13th Floor Elevators, Golden Dawn and the ridiculously fabulous Bubble Puppy (who moved to Austin from San Antone). You can now add Surly Gates to this select group of quality lysergic tunesmiths..."
- The Active Listener, 2013

"Mixing 1960s harmonious garage rock vocals with the slow churn of the more modern psychedelic movement, Surly Gates has proven to be a band to keep an eye on right out of the gate."
- Dan Nemer @ Ongakubaka, 2013

"...Surly Gates’ well-crafted Crosby, Stills, Nash & Crazy Horse approach needed no psilocybin."
- Austin Chronicle, 2013

"Like dipping into Owsley's punch bowl with an over-sized ladle and taking a big swig, Surly Gates reveal a space in time like a 60's flashback. The Ten Years After reference is not a mistake, reminiscent of that seminal TYA album, this Austin band's debut leaves trails for others to take notice of."
- Popastunes, 2013

"Their debut four song E.P showcases a near-enough perfect combination of sixties garage rock vocal harmonies, touches of Ray Manzarek’s moog as well as neo-psychedelic tendencies, convening with a lo-fi aesthetic and seemingly put to tape in a morose echo chamber. There’s a distinct sultry haze about the E.P, the music itself seems ingrained with the fumes of hundreds of lazily smoked cigarettes. Turn it up loud enough you can almost see purple cigarette smoke float lethargically out of the speakers."
- Reining Blog, UK, 2013