Photo by Marc Millman


Garage A Trois have announced a new record, titled Calm Down Cologne and set for release on Apr. 16. The album will feature the original GAT lineup: guitarist Charlie Hunter, saxophonist Skerik and drummer Stanton Moore. The new record marks the first GAT album to feature the original lineup in 22 years. In addition to the album announcement, the band also released the title track as the first single.

The original three released their debut album Mysteryfunk in 1999. According to a press release, “the band evolved over the pursuant years in various configurations before eventually going dormant following its 2011 album, Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil.” However, in 2019, Hunter, Moore and Skerik reunited for a few shows. They also spent a day recording at Stone Gossard’s Studio Litho in Seattle, Wash. According to the press release, “with all but a few edits on beginnings and ends of performances, Calm Down Cologne presents the music as it was played in the studio that day.”

“Getting to make this record with two of my long time musical collaborators was a pure joy,” said Moore via press release. “We took a decidedly old school approach to making this one. During the day of what was to be our third night at Nectar Lounge, we carried the drums, uncased, with the cymbals still on the stands, across the street and placed them in the studio. We were getting sounds within minutes. We recorded for a few hours, carried the drums back and played the gig. No muss, no fuss.”

“Charlie and Stanton have been playing together for 25 years. There is a limitless quantity of output that they are able to generate. My job is to stay out of the way of their immovable freight train of rhythmic power and add melodic content on top,” added Skerik (also via press release). “And the final element of this sonic signature comes from Randall who glues the music together in the recording and mixing process. He’s the perfect engineer for records that depend on improvisation. He moves fast and gets huge sounds that convey the dynamics and power of the band.”

Pre-order a vinyl edition of Calm Down Cologne here. Listen to the new single below!