From their genesis as a disparate collection of record store snobs from Portland, Oregon, The Gentry banded together to form a polymorphous conglomerate of musically inclined renegades: Gino Mari (lead vocals,guitar), Steve Taylor (sound designer/keyboards), AC (drums) and Jeremy Dan (guitar). Their penchant for sweaty, sex-fueled electronic rock and onstage theatrics reflect a deep appreciation for the idols that came before them. Their sound can be variously described as electro-punk, psychedelic synth pop, and good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. It’s as if Depeche Mode bred with TMZ to create a supergene, which carries in its DNA an obsession with sex and celebrity. The Gentry sing hedonistic commentaries about the consumption of pop culture. and stuff.
The Gentry earned their stripes opening for some heavy hitters like The Presets, Nitzer Ebb, Freezepop, Covenant, Apoptygma Berzerk, Birthday Massacre and others, amassing a diverse fanbase along the way. The Gentry’s first single, The Demons // Tongue In Chic was released in 2004, then came We Want More in 2005, and finally a collection of those two singles and new material, Sweet Gossip TV in 2006. The latter contained the hit song “I Have Not Morals,” which articulated what could be considered the band’s gleefully nihilistic worldview. They took a slight detour into murkier terrain with the next single, “The Latent Stranger,” in 2007: "gaze on my plastic eyes // could beauty ever lie // now I'd do anything for you // if it paid well. "
With an eye toward the cosmos, The Gentry followed up with a futuristic seven-song EP entitled Sex By The Unit. Songs such as “Awkwardness!” (featuring Justin Harris from Menomena) reveal a deep-seated affection for bands like Primal Scream and Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie. SBTU is an artistic coup for the group and a virtual carnival of excess, right down to the packaging (the disc itself comes in a cd sized condom wrapper!!!).
The band is currently back in the studio working on a new album dripping with filth and superficiality, but in the meantime, you can catch the boys on tour with well-known deviant and fellow bon vivant Logan Lynn this Summer and Fall. For more information on the gentry, visit http://www.TheGentry.com --- Sex by the unit, Latent Stranger, & Sweet Gossip TV are available online at iTunes and everywhere music is sold.
“Driven by a New Waver’s sensibility for electronic hooks and spiked with ragged guitar licks covered in grime and Pop Rocks, the quartet’s latest packs a wallop.”
-Local Cut
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"The Gentry is a well-bred machine of musical brilliance. In an intricate combination, all five members provide an essential role in making the band a magnificent electrical symphony".
-Nevada Sagebrush
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"Frontman Gino Mari's voice adds a sexiness that all those glam-rock bands brought us. Their flamboyant sound is quite appealing."
-Willamette Week
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"The Gentry manages to easily bridge the gap between experimental and accessible."
-The Portland Tribune
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