Genuine Leather is the brainchild of Texas-based Chris Galis, who has been a fixture in the Austin music scene since 2009. His previous project, Gorgeous Hands, received local press attention and developed a following before the members dispersed to pursue other opportunities. But for Galis, there was no turning back. He was driven by visions of distorted, Beatles-Esque seventh chords and sweet 70’s California rock. In an attempt to exorcise these creative impulses, Galis formed Genuine Leather and self-produced their debut single, “The Viper.” The song immediately gained traction in the Austin blogosphere and earned glowing reviews in The Deli Austin and Pop Press International. Offers for gigs and house shows followed, taking Galis by surprise as he had not intended to form a live act. To properly reflect the recordings, Galis enlisted 5 of his closest friends to share the banner of Genuine Leather and they hit the road. The majority of the band now lives in the same neighborhood in East Austin. They’ve released 2 EPs, 3 LPs, and tons of B-Sides, all of which have been deconstructed, pulled from and added to comprise the latest release, 2011-2019 Demos, Singles, and Live – releasing digitally and on cassette May 24th. The retrospective collection showcases the dynamic trajectory of the band, from ramshackle sessions, recorded while Galis and co. played hooky from work to newer, more refined material that conjures up the work of Spoon, Mac Demarco, and Nick Lowe. Genuine Leather’s newest single “Promises” is a dance-y synth-pop song with slappy, funk guitars, warm synthesizers, 3-part harmony vocals, and a string section. The song is about the experience of one-night stands and one too many half-hearted, drunken connections that don’t really translate themselves in the light of day. Written and recorded over 2 days while Galis played hooky from a remote tech job, “Promises” leans into the perspective of someone who does everything they can to be undesirable, but they continue to draw people in with a certain involuntary charm. “Promises” is perfect to listen to while dancing with friends, at a party, or in the car with the volume turned up. Keep an eye out for more new music from Genuine Leather in the future.
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