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Built on the remnants of local acts Pink Cigarette and Kevo Can’t Dance, Mediocre Gatsby is a “Folkternative”/ punk band that began in 2020 in State College, PA following a Misfits tribute set on Halloween. Fast-forward four years and the duo is getting ready to release their new EP, ‘Dead Summer,’ out May 3rd via digital release on Austin’s Diverse Chorus Records. Today, we are premiering the title track.
“Our upcoming Dead Summer EP is a four-song, harrowing lullaby,” explains guitarist/vocalist Kevo. “It tells a story about the tribulations of growing up and the conflicting feeling and understanding that's it's never too late to reinvent one's self. The lyrics are a mix of journal entries and lyrics scripted during the covid time of uncertainty. Even though a lot of what is being said in these songs are full of despair, the high energy sound that guards these words are meant to present a feeling of hope and change.”
Right from the start, Gregg (drums/backing vocals) and Kevo (guitar/vocals) felt an instant chemistry during their first few practices in Gregg’s garage. The guys found common ground over craft beers, drawing influences from a wide range of artists like Elliott Smith, Mavis Staples, and Glassjaw, as well as the music scenes from Greenwich Village folk and Gilman Street punk.
'Quarantine' was the duo’s sagaciously titled debut, back in 2021. Mediocre Gatsby then began playing basement shows in State College & Altoona, PA, with bassist Andy M rounding out the lineup. In 2022, Gregg would return home to Texas, but not before he and Kevo recorded the songs that would eventually become the Dead Summer EP. The EP was finished with the help of Austin’s Vinh Diep, who not only played bass and guitar, but mixed and mastered the EP, as well.
(photo credit: Kate Kenealy)
