Brownout Members, Gear & Sound

Brownout is a dynamic eight-piece musical ensemble hailing from Austin, Texas, celebrated for their potent fusion of Latin funk, rock, and breakbeat influences. Emerging as an offshoot of the acclaimed Grupo Fantasma, the band features a lineup of talented musicians: Adrian Quesada (guitar), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Josh Levy (saxophone), Leo Gauna (trombone), Johnny Lopez (drums), and Matthew "Sweet Lou" Holmes (congas). Known for their high-energy performances and innovative covers, including their unique takes on Black Sabbath songs, Brownout channels the rich musical tapestry of the American Southwest into a vibrant and infectious sound.

Brownout’s sonic landscape is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic complexity, blending the raw power of rock with the groove-laden essence of Latin funk. The guitars often alternate between gritty, fuzz-laden riffs and cleaner, rhythmic strumming, a duality achieved through gear like the Gibson ES-333 and Fender Jazzmaster. The use of effects such as the Maestro Echoplex and Roland Space Echo RE-150 adds a layer of vintage analog warmth and spatial depth, enhancing the band's dense and dynamic arrangements. The brass section punctuates the sound with bold, fiery accents, while the rhythm section maintains a tight, propulsive groove, ensuring that each performance is both a celebration of rhythm and a testament to their diverse musical heritage.