Minneapolis band The Van Gobots are releasing their sefl-titled debut EP this Friday at the Uptown Bar with Yer Cronies, Small Cities and Pictures of Then.
The EP doesn’t feature a track more than four minutes and spares no rests in the name of musical mutiny. Here are the two lead tracks off the album:
The Van Gobots : “Get It While It’s Hot” (mp3)
The Van Gobots : “Speed and Fire” (mp3)
This week we got the opportunity to chat with bassist Matthew Kojetin about the band, EP and what I should eat for dinner tonight…
Who are The Van Gobots?
Myself (Matthew Kojetin), Nick Geier, Mike Baker and Keith Lacock
How would you describe your sound?
Driving, gritty and borderline danceable. At one point we all had beards and we’d always call it Beard Rock, but that comes off as a little folky.
What’s the story with track “One Shot Down, Two Steps Back” off the new EP?
At the time the band was forming I was working at county fairs doing airbrush tattoos and one day Mike called me up and left this vulgar voicemail about how I put a tramp stamp on his 13 year old daughter and he was going to come and kick my ass. For a good 8 months or so we always called this song tramp stamp, which actually has nothing to do with the song. Eventually we decided to man up and give our songs actual names, but if you look at our set lists ever we still call it Tramp Stamp.
Why should people listen to you compared to other bands?
We’re always blending a lot of different elements in our songs. It’s very dense music and there’s always a lot going on. Plus I really like the fact that its danceable without being over the top.
What should I have for dinner tonight?
I’d say french toast is your best bet. Or else maybe grab a slice at Galoony’s?
How did the Entry gig opening for Yer Cronies go a couple weeks ago?
Fantastic actually. Yer Cronies is one of our favorite bands in town and we love playing with them. We always have a good time hanging with those guys and I think the show went pretty well.
Are you amped for your upcoming CD release show? Tell us about it.
We are definitely amped. We love all the bands that are playing and are excited for the entire evening. We’re just really excited to get our EP out to people and let them know what we’ve been working on.
Anything else interesting about TVG people must know?
At SXSW, Pharrell was eating ribs at the same restaurant as us.
