Overview
Catamaran is a Dallas-based psychedelic surf pop band that crafts catchy melodies layered over surf guitars, a grooving rhythm section, and pulsing flourishes. Goes good with Surfer Blood, Real Estate, and Vampire Weekend.
Bio
Catamaran makes rhythmically enrapturing indie surf rock, using tremolo-ed guitars and syrupy melodies to craft songs that are as catchy as they are interesting. Catamaran quickly launched into the spotlight in the Dallas-Fort Worth area after making their radio debut on the 102.1 KDGE Local Show. The band was nominated for a 2013 Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Pop Act and is currently in rotation on DFW's popular independent radio station, 91.7 KXT.
Founding members Stephen Glenn (vocals, guitar) and Tom Theall (drums) met in 2010. An obsession for sharing and discussing music soon turned into acoustic jam sessions. A grooving surf sound began to emerge with guitar sounds that range from pristine to colorfully mangled. Catamaran released their first EP Weekdays in 2014 along with the addition of Chris Escarfullery (bass, keys) who joined the group full-time. After touring the mid-west in 2014, the band has earned fans the hard way, booking shows and playing bigger venues alongside larger acts including The Polyphonic Spree, Brett Dennen, and CHAPPO.
The name Catamaran came about during a late-night summer pool party. For the duo, the two-hulled boat proved to be a durable vehicle for the sound—able to transmit the awe, joy, and loneliness of the outdoors with a deeply inward narrative that examines personal relationships in the context of social sea change.
In 2021, Catamaran changed their live performance lineup, which now consists of Stephen Glenn (Catamaran, Bleach Kings), Alan Brandt (Bleach Kings, Tigers), Matt Hernandez (Jeune), and Carson Outlaw (Bleach Kings).
Catamaran is available for interviews. For press inquiries, email catamarantheband@gmail.com
Members
Stephen Glenn – Vocals, Guitar
Chris Escarfullery – Bass, Keys
Tom Theall – Drums
live performers
Stephen Glenn – Vocals, Guitar
Alan Brandt – Bass, Keys, Backing Vocals
Matt Hernandez – Guitar, Keys, Backing Vocals
Carson Outlaw – Drums
Photos
VIDEOS
Stage Setup
Download stage setup here.
In The Press
"Weekdays is a masterful debut, and Catamaran may, as it did for me, instantly become your new favorite band in North Texas." – Preston Jones, dfw.com
Dallas Observer says:
"Catamaran make rhythmically enrapturing, heady surf rock. The quartet use tremolo-ed guitars and syrupy melodies to craft songs that marry the Beach Boys' warmth to Vampire Weekend's highbrow East Coast pop. On the back of their new single, "All Around" and a flurry of shows, the boys have made big ripples here in Dallas. National exposure is in their future." – JP
Central Track says:
"They don't make songs much more ear-wormy than Catamaran's 'All Around.' Impressively, the rest of the band's debut is nearly as catchy as that sparkling indie-pop gem. More remarkable, still, is just how closely to the album these guys manage to sound in a live setting." – Cory Graves
Central Track also says:
“As Catamaran brings out those psychedelic surf pop vibes and rhythmic melodies,’Use Yourself’ will almost certainly leave an imprint on your brain.” – Stephanie Salas-Vega