Practically everything that can be said about the personnel details  of These Hills of Gold will be qualified with a brief summary of their  rock’n’roll genetics. This new West Coast pop, rock and psychedelic  outfit’s seasoned journey begins with a conditioned upbringing that  could only inspire grander works. Too modest for common artists, THOG’s  members have kindly requested the focus be on the music. But I digress.  This is good stuff.
For starters, band architect Jefferson Parker is an estranged,  bastard grandson of Colonel Tom Parker (Yes, Elvis’ manager) Parker’s  mother Lucille worked at Memphis Wall-Drug back in 75’. (This might  explain the warm Big Star sound found in these 4 tracks) After giving  Memphis Mafia errand boys constant grief (bless her soul) about the  extensive Rx harmaceutical refill routine for the King, Lucille Parker  and son received an enforced, all expenses move to Phoenix. Rather than  make new friends, Jefferson became acquainted with his mom’s record  collection. To avoid further riff-raff, he traveled north to San  Francisco to blend in, so to say. Now for the rhythm intersection of  Weed and Mod: Drummer KC Kozak (Jefferson’s childhood friend) was  incarcerated at the fine young age of 18 for smuggling sativa across US  border. He called Folsom Prison home until 2007, completing 8 years on a  10-year stretch. Released for good behavior, he is now couch surfing.  Nick Marcantonio’s mother‘s maiden name, Piaggio should ring a Mod bell.  Nick’s Great Uncle developed the essential maximum rock’n’roll  commuter: Vespa.  Jaime Morales, who adds the wonderful falsetto vocal  on the psych jam, ‘Hypnotic Suggestion’ spent his elementary afternoons  playing with his G.I. Joe in the lunchroom at Sunset Sound. Jaime’s  father, Crescendo Morales, was the on-call tech. He provided gear love  during session changes for acts like Love, Rolling Stones and Beach  Boys. Indeed, Papa Morales wrenched on boards during several infamous  Pet Sounds sessions. Delusions of grandeur, indeed, however, we'd  appreciate that you enable these bizarre myths.
Suddenly and splendidly, THOG’s performers are firmly rooted in grand  nepotistic tradition; however, the compositions are vital and uniquely  contemporary for our times. The logic of notes and chord patterns fit  perfectly, as if they have emotions of their own. For your pleasure,  four beautiful and distinct tunes, skillfully crafted to introduce you  to These Hills of Gold. We think the listener will share THOG’s  enthusiasm for the sounds and arrangements. Each number spotlights  another side of this multi-talented outfit, providing a trend bending  nod to classic West Coast sounds. (This should be required study for  today’s blog smart indie set.) (via HappyParts)