Building upon the long-held tradition of exceptional garage rock from Portland, Oregon, Gondos are here to add their name to this metaphorical plaque. The band draws influence from the past, like the Exploding Hearts, Wipers, Black Sabbath, the Stooges, the Sex Pistols, Spacemen 3, and Oasis, and contemporary acts such as Ty Segall, Bad Nerves, and Osees. Gondos uses these influences to create a sound that is both uniquely catchy to the listener and also challenging. Ranging from the darkest depths of doom metal and punk to the fuzzy, psychedelic worlds of rock and garage, Gondos creates a sonic world of their own. This is a band of the moment: hard to define, crushing live, driven, and committed to their craft.
On their first single of 2026, the jagged, infectious “Stop Calling Me,” Gondos proudly remind everyone of their innate fusion prowess. The cacophony of familiar rock textures bursts from the speakers, transforming the room’s atmosphere. Yet, their jovial experimentation softens the blow with fuzzy guitars and swaying vocals. To say “Stop Calling Me” is immersive would be an understatement, and focusing on the nuanced fusion techniques can detract from the individuality Gondos achieved on their latest single. While there are undertones of their influences, “Stop Calling Me” is undeniably Gondos. The way their raw emotions whirl around the room palpably, yet the melodies that deliver them remain subtly sugary, is a true testament to where this band is heading. “Stop Calling Me” feels like the beginning of something great for Gondos, and a proper introduction to this exhilarating band.
“‘Stop Calling Me’ is our ode to the great punk and garage acts of Portland, Oregon’s past,” explains the band. “With this song, we’re telling the world that we’re a force to be reckoned with. Put on your shades, zip your jacket all the way up, and get in the pit, superstars.”
