Bio

Washington DC-based Blue Pinto is a four-piece rock band that formed in 2003 whose melodic rock and pop showcase influences from the 80's college/alternative music scene, as well as classic sounds of the 60's/70's. The band takes its name from the iconic Ford car, a tongue-in-cheek jab at the "cool" cars typically associated with American rock, and is also one of the band's first songs, telling the tale of a baby blue Pinto driven to deliver pizzas, and reveals the band's alt-country origins, where jangly guitars and tremolo riffs give a nod to Neil Young, Wilco and Last Train Home.

With its recent summer 2008 release of its debut album, Chemical Smile, the band has expanded its sound into what is now an eclectic mix of Americana rock and pop. Lyrics are deliberately non-overt, straight-ahead rhythms morph into syncopated beats that keep everything moving, and hook-laden vocals blend with wandering bass and guitar lines to create a new yet familiar sound. The effect is accessibility with a tonal twist. All tracks on the new CD are the product of the songwriting talents of the entire band, and reflect influences by the Tragically Hip, the Kinks and Arcade Fire. Venues and events where Blue Pinto has performed include Velvet Lounge, DC9, The Red and the Black, Art-o-matic, Gauley Festival as well as numerous private parties.