Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Greg Mungan has done it again. The affable former musician, who runs popular indie music venue Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City, has booked cool-sounding, Philly-based pop fusion band Gloss for Friday, Nov. 15. It’s the quartet’s second time playing ARC; they performed there during the North To Shore Festival in 2023. Greg liked them so much, he’s bringing them back.
“Our music is a mix of genres. We write together and all have different influences,” Corrine Kite-Dean, Gloss’ guitarist, told me in an interview this week. “Our sound used to be way more straightforward – indie, R&B, funk. Nowadays we push further into synth-pop, ’70s/’80s, new wave and progressive. We’re always changing things up to stay fresh and keep everyone excited.”
Who are your band’s musical influences?
“We have a big range of influences. The biggest we usually cite are Hiatus Kaiyote, The Human Bloom, The Cure, The Police, The B-52s, Wayne Krantz, and The Marías.” These diverse influences explain the group’s diversified sound.
Gloss which, besides Dean, consists of Sophia Grosshauser (vocals, keyboard); Mollie Schechter (drums); and Isabella Amanda (bass), formed at the now-closed University of The Arts in Philadelphia in 2020.
“Mollie and Sophia had the idea to start an all-girl band, then eventually picked Bella and me as members. During the pandemic, our first EP (“Are You Okay?”) was recorded remotely by everyone. When the world opened up again, we started playing shows in the Philly DIY (do-it-yourself) scene. We haven’t stopped playing since.”
“Are You Okay?” is an interesting listen…songs like “Lying Pretty” and “Talking Sweet” show off Gloss’ music chops, as well as Grosshauer’s strong-yet-ethereal vocals. It’s smart-sounding pop with thought-provoking lyrics.
“Make Way for Gloss: A Local Band That Sparkles in Their Authenticity,” wrote 34th Street in 2022, around the time “Are You Okay?” was released. “Upbeat, funny, energetic, and talented as hell, this band knows how to work a crowd,” wrote Dianne DiMemmo from Asbury Park Vibes, reviewing Gloss’ Anchor set in 2023.
The band seems happy to be returning to the Jersey Shore.
“We love the opportunity to play in AC, and the last time we played Anchor Rock, it was an awesome time!,” says Dean. “The space is great, the sound is great. The people in AC seem ready to have a good time. We’re excited to be coming back with two of our favorite bands, Koser and Swansun. Let’s party!”
Gloss, Koser and Swansun will perform at Anchor Rock Club, 247 New York Ave., Friday, Nov. 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 pm. Admission is $13.32. See anchorrockclub.com.
Local Music Notes: I attended a beautiful remembrance/memorial last Sunday at Gregory’s in memory of George Lind, a/k/a G-Force, longtime music aficionado, WLFR 91.7 DJ, indie rock promoter. The one-of-a-kind guy passed away last April after a long battle with cancer.
There were people from AC’s indie rock scene, past and present, including Johnny Fones, Matt Unversaw and Bill Grohls from WLFR; Robert Weiss (Deardarkhead); Keith Souder, singer forb one-time Philly band Trained Attack Dogs, and most recently, fronting Rolling Stones tribute Brown Sugar, who Lind loved to book; and Victor Garrison (WLFR DJ, zine editor, and musician).
Also, Malcolm Tent, AC’s senior rock statesman, performed a fun, fast-paced set, with some timely references to Lind, accompanied by 1adam12 (Adam Berardo) on bass. G-Force’s playlists were heard over the speaker system. Colorful, unique fliers of shows promoted through the years by G-Force were distributed by Fones. Special thanks to Mike Kelly for helping put this together and to George’s mother, Diane Lind, for hosting this lovely event. RIP G-Force, you won’t be forgotten.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
