Sasquatch (2004)

A prototypical Small Stone band if ever there was one, California by way of Philly and Detroit's Sasquatch combine crusty riffing, driving drums, and throaty, echoey vocals into retro-rock gumbo that would do labelmates Halfway to Gone more than proud. (It would probably make them think they were staring in the mirror!) Which is to say that Sasquatch are hardly reinventing the wheel with their eponymous debut, but that doesn't mean they can't work this familiar template to their own advantage. This they do, following a quickie intro spiel about ol' Bigfoot, with a winning twosome in "Chemical Lady" and "Roller," and then topping them both with the insta-groove of "Dragonfly." This is where Sasquatch really strike upon something special, and they immediately put it to more good use with the notably hooky "Believe It." As if he knows that now they're really in business, vocalist/guitarist Keith Gibbs starts breaking free of easy comparisons with his more pronouncedly soulful performance on the Southern rock-tinged "Cracks in the Pavement," and the inspired extended soloing across the hypnotic swing of "Knuckle Down." The ensuing "Money Man" replicates the same formula, drags on a little longer still, but hardly disappoints for it, and is quickly chased by a stinging shot of highway-driving anthemy cleverly named "Boss Hog." Additional bits of cryptic, spoken word intros precede the final two tracks: the somewhat forgettable hillbilly rock of "Cyrus," and the alternately doom-slow and stoner rockin' "Yetti;" the last making for a strong, if not explosive parting shot for an album whose best moments are definitely sandwiched in the center, but tasty enough to satisfy through to the last crumb. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)

"Sasquatch lead the way with their fiery brand of rock n' roll. You'll hear 70's hard rock mixed with a dash of metal carried by an unmistakable undercurrent of psychedelic sounds which permeate their songs. The hook is the focus and that's exactly what they do - hook you in and hold you hostage with a super-heavy, bone-crunching onslaught carrying you from one tight tune to another, leaving you eager with anticipation. Sasquatch will not only knock you on your ass, their collective boot will keep you pinned to the ground.

The band was formed in Los Angeles in 2001 by Philadelphia transplant Keith Gibbs (guitar, vox) and Detroit natives Rick Ferrante (drums) and Clayton Charles (bass). Upon Clayton’s departure in 2007, the guys recruited Chicagoan Jason Casanova (ex-Tummler, Volume) to join the fold. Drawing on influences from 70's metal, rock, and psychedelia, the band falls somewhere between an amalgamation of Black Sabbath, old Soundgarden, Deliverance-era Corrosion of Conformity, Mountain, and a bastardized version of Grand Funk Railroad. Their songwriting approach is clear; keep the focus on the hook.

The band’s newest album “III” was released on Small Stone Records in March 2010 and marked the beginning of a new chapter for the band. While this record continues to showcase their signature sound and technique, the production is bigger and the songwriting is more refined. Combining the simplicity of their Small Stone debut, “I” (released in 2004), with the melodic undercurrent of “II” (2006), they still manage to capture the raw essence that won them their moniker. The record also features a special guest appearance from Monster Magnet’s own Ed Mundell". (bobsstonerrockblogs.blogspot.com)

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