Musical Influences Pinback meets Radiohead via an Elliot Smith flair

Artist History Hester started back in 1996 when Dana Hester began writing and recording her songs. She quickly recruited harmonica/vocal man Gabe Friley to help add some spark to her sound. Their songs elicit a reflection our hopes and despairs. The duo, inspired by their unique vocal blending, sought out a rhythm section and found a talented percussionist in Matt Steele. They recorded a simplistic, folky, a la Red House Painters/Joni Mitchell cd (Resemblance, 1998), which turned heads around the Santa Barbara coffee house scene. Hester began to really take shape once they found Zoo Story's former fretless bass player, Kevin Rentz, and versatile guitarist Andy White. Matt had switched from a djembe to a regular drum kit, which balanced the rock nuances of the newly electrified tunes. The band was now folk-rocking clubs, gathering a large mailing list and forging a unique sound. An evolution was in flight. They turned to FILMguerrero's utility engineer, Tad Wagner, for the next step-a sophomore album. Taking a full year of tweaking rhythms, tangling wires, and tripping out mixes, they produced an atmospheric medium-core gem, (Wishing Words, 2002). They are now back to the clubs with a new album and a continually developing vibe. Gabe has contributed several new tunes to their set of Pinback meets Radiohead via Elliott Smith flair. Check the website for upcoming shows at a venue near you.

Group Members Gabe Friley, Dana Friley, Kevin Rentz, Matt Steele, Andy White

Albums Wishing Words (2002); Resemblance (1998)

Location Santa Barbara, CA - USA

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