Gringo Star

 Gringo Star was once a bitchin' little band called A Fir-Ju Well. For reasons unknown, the quartet of long-haired rockers from Atlanta changed its name. Luckily for us, the band also stepped up the standard touring schedule. Through word-of-mouth, boisterous live performances and constant touring, the group has built a solid, devoted following. True to its name, Gringo Star evoke Sgt. Pepper's-era Beatles, with swirling psychedelics, haphazard harmonizing and pop-perfect jangly bits. Sure, most rock bands reference the Beatles, but Gringo Star does it better — and in a much, much dirtier fashion. Live, the band also matches its trippy, carnival-like vibe with a rowdy stage show, full of disorderly, cacophonous instrument-bashing and heart-crushingly somber interludes.