Gostwyck are the denizens of a road less travelled, taking their name and a good chunk of inspiration from an obscure town in the NSW countryside. With a couple of singles to their name including their lush, latest cut Riverstone, these six lads are Aussie folk rock at its finest.
Bringing in acoustic guitar, brass sections, stunning lead guitar work as well as a ton of dreamy vocals, they’re a band who have garnered a whopping amount of equipment in their time. While they’re on the road we hooked up a chat with Gostwyck, asking each one of their members for the piece of gear they love most.
Pedals, trombones, even cars. Every member of Gostwyck has a favourite piece of gear, and each item has etched its presence into their sound.
Matthew (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) – 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero
Some bits of gear receive the glory of being played on a stage, adorned by all who hear and look upon them. Other bits of gear are humbly working behind the scenes, such as this 1994 Pajero (RIP).
More affectionately known as ‘The Paj’, there was never a Gostwyck moment this beautiful machine wasn’t a part of. It wore many hats, including ‘tour bus’, ’photo shoot prop’, ‘gear transporter’, and now, ‘written off’ – yes, sadly the Paj played one gig too many, though she will be forever in our hearts.
Will (Lead Guitar) – Digitech Supernatural Reverb
In a scene where the majority of ambient guitarists are running the Strymon and Eventide reverb competitors, the DigiTech Supernatural Reverb really brought something peculiar and different to the table for me.
It’s vociferousness can be a wild horse to tame at times, but in the end using it has created something completely unique and made it the real staple of my guitar work in Gostwyck over the last two years.
I’ve also modded the ‘mix’ control with an option knob because I’m lazy and like to adjust things with my feet. I run my Fender Mustang (JAP) through it into a Vox Night Train NT50H.
Angus (Keys/Vocals/Trombone) – Martin Trombone
The Nord Electro 5D is an utterly delicious instrument that can make any and every sound one could desire, but this Martin Trombone is a unique customer in the alt rock world. Purchased for me by my grandfather at 15, it’s a special instrument and treasured possession.
I think the way I play is heavily influenced by my upbringing; listening to Frank Sinatra with my grandfather, and playing Jazz as a kid. Outside of melodic hooks in Breakwater, New England and Riverstone, my improv work comes from these jazz roots. This trombone has such a pure clear tone that really sits pretty with the expansive guitars of Gostwyck, with just an ounce reverb on the mic.
Jono (Bass) – Tech 21 Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver
Whatever a song asks of it, the Tech 21 Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver answers in precisely the way I need it to. The programmable EQ settings give our sound great versatility in a live setting that is hard to come by in a bass pedal.
In songs that need some punch it allows for me to throw on some drive and top end, but it also enables me to roll off the top end and bring in the bass to get those warm tones, in just a footswitch.
Joseph (Acoustic Guitar/Vocals/Sax) – Martin DRS1
Despite only getting married in December of last year, I’ve bought a new lady into the Gostwyck family, and that is my Martin DRS1. She has a lovely warm, dark tone which features the lows to mids. I pair this guitar in standard tuning with my first semi-acoustic (Cole Clark FL1 in open D tuning) to bring some versatility to the acoustic guitar tones in our set.
Whilst the Cole Clark brings bright punch suitable for the folk-sounding open D tuning, the new Martin is happy to chill behind the rest of the band in the mix, providing rhythmic and chordal foundations for the throw-back 80s guitar, synth and drums to crescendo over the top of it. Plus, she looks the goods.
Elliot (Drums) – Zildjian 22″ K Light Ride
The ultimate utility, the Zildjian 22″ K Light Ride is essential for any gig I play. I got it for a steal off a Facebook buy/sell group after waiting a while for one to come up. Originally designed for jazz music, its dark tone is perfect for a huge crash, with enough stick definition to sit well in the mix regardless of what genre I’m playing.
Gostwyck are taking their latest single Riverstone around Australia right now, hitting city and country venues alike. Catch the full run of dates below, and head here for any extra info.
Fri May 19 – The Imperial Hotel, Sydney
Sat May 20 – Station Bar, Katoomba
Fri May 26 – The Post Office, Melbourne
Sat May 27 – Long Play, Melbourne
Fri June 2 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
Fri June 16 – Secret Garden show, TBA
Fri June 23 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul