Gramsci Melodic was an alternative rock band based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[1] The band was started in 2006 by singer/guitarist Martin Rubeo. Other members include Joel York (synthesizers/programming), Sean Rayl (drums), Greg Haduch (keyboards), and Tony Willoe (bass/vocals). In 2009, Eric Granata started to perform at some shows with the band, playing guitar, synths, and percussion. He became a full time member shortly after. [2]
The band won the 2008 Joker Productions Rock Off and recorded its first full-length album with Grammy Award winning producers at Audible Images. The band featured guitar, bass, piano, drums, and synthesizers. The band was ranked as Pittsburgh's #2 Best Underground Band and #3 Best Rock Band by the Pittsburgh City Paper in 2008.[3] In 2009, Gramsci Melodic was named #3 Best Rock Band by the Pittsburgh City Paper.[4]
The band released its self-titled, debut album in June, 2009.[5] Collected, an album of previously unreleased material and live tracks, was released in 2021. [6]
Their music has been described as "simple and upbeat rock," "driving synth rock," "'70s funk" with "eclectronica," and similar to Fountains of Wayne, They Might Be Giants, and Weezer.[7]
Gramsci Melodic was known to travel with its own mascot, a dancing character with an oversized green head.