The Ranch recently launched their debut album, Cuckoo Island, at the Marsa Sports Club. Tribali’s Peter Paul writes in with his thoughts about the gig.

I consider myself lucky to have experienced The Ranch at their very early stage when I attended their first live performance, under a different name, in Valletta.

That night was an awesome music journey for me and the people present there and I have been following these musicians ever since.

I have known the drummer, Banjo Rancho, for some time and I have always admired his drumming. Two years ago I met guitarist Kyle Drakard and was immediately struck by his technique. And, although I didn’t know bassist Dean Montanaro that well, I have always admired his groove.

Watching this band live is quite an experience, as the dynamics between the three are very strong

When I got to know that these three musicians had gotten together to form The Ranch, I knew their album launch would be unmissable.

Watching this band live is quite an experience as the dynamics between the three are very strong, as is the song-writing. Being a songwriter myself, I really believe that The Ranch’s music form a combination of good friendship and lots of hours studying music. The rest is just pure feel. The live performances are also something else because the trio tends to improvise a lot, so even though I have attended quite a number of their concerts the setlist does not get boring.

The sounds of the guitar, the solid bass and the awesome drum groove makes this band quite unique on the Island. If someone had to ask me to describe The Ranch’s sound, I would quote a friend of mine: they sound just like punks playing jazz.