When old feels new again. That’s a phrase that could be used to describe Stephenville, TX band Giovannie & the Hired Guns. Fronted by Mexican-American Giovannie Yanez, the group’s built a die-hard following that has led to them garnering millions of streams and numerous sold out shows, while garnering them comparisons to the bands that ruled the airwaves in the late 90’s and early 00s.
A rock band through and through, their sound has elements of country (hear the Lucero-vibing “Rooster Tattoo”) and punk rock, like on their latest single “Ramon Ayala”. Named after the Mexican singer-songwriter that Yanez’s family would listen to, and who Yanez “still bumps…when he gets drunk”, the track’s acoustic guitars, coupled with Yanez’s guttural vocals begins things off moody, before breaking into a chugging punk rock chorus fit for drunken singalongs.
Much like the song conjures up old tracks by Fenix TX and Weezer, the video takes inspiration from classics like “Hot for Teacher” and “Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room”, while properly modernizing it for the 2020’s. Taking place in a high school, Yanez finds his science class graced by a gorgeous substitute teacher whom he and his classmates instantly lust after. The video then finds Yanez losing himself in day-dreams about the sub, while dealing with classes and a hard-ass principal out to get him. High school humor and performance scenes fill out the video which should easily connect with a new generation that hasn’t seen the classics I referenced before.
Watch the video above and stream the track here!
