The Hourglass Cats are a Desert Reggae & RockNRoll collective based out of Phoenix, AZ. Formed in 2011 by frontman Cori Rios and drummer “Hot” Karl Maier. The Hourglass Cats consist of Chaz Fertal (Saxophone), Lisa Lizanec (Trombone), Seth Gory (Bass), Jesse Morrrison (Keys/Vox), Enrique Naranjo (Drums) and Cori Rios (Guitar/Vox). The aforementioned Rios, whom Jeff Moses of Phoenix New times referred to as a “Bona-fide Rock Star” at last years Apache Lake Music Festival where they performed an “unforgettable” set, has been writing his own music since he was 16 years old.
In 2013 The Hourglass Cats released their debut 432 EP to an incredible response and esteemed reviews. With Modern Times calling it “one of the most fun listens of the summer” and YabYum hailing it for it’s complex journey into the world of 432 hz. They followed up their EP with a slew of singles throughout 2014, including the critically acclaimed and spectacularly catchy “Too Damn Rude”. Described as not just catchy, but a “fantastic take on 2 Tone ska with an edgy rock vibe. It is an immediate, in-your-face dance number.”
THC kicked off 2015 with new music and a new sound with their release of 2 singles recorded at Loud Audio, one accompanied by an artsy video of silhouettes in the form of “Be That Way” directed by Marcus Eden. Dubbed as “leaning more Rock n’ Roll than ever.”
2016 saw the release of Portraits of Cats, THC’s second and most diverse album to date. Recorded and produced by their very own Jesse Morrison of Studio at The Farm. “Portraits of Cats will take you on a musical journey of THC’s influences”. From the “intoxicating reggae pop” of the opening track, Rainchecks, to the Latin inspired Bailar Para Mi, which will “transport you south of the border for a few minutes of fantasy,” all the way to the “prowling, growling, edgy Garage-Rock sound of Downtown Funk,” you will get a sample of their wide range of influences. The Hourglass Cats are on their way to becoming one of Phoenix’s premiere bands. Having most recently performed on the Main Stage at Mcdowell Mountain Music Festival, The Hourglass Cats have toured the west coast and southwest regions including California, Texas, and even as far south as parts of Mexico. They have twice headlined an AZ showcase at SXSW and have shared bills with Passion Pit, Portugal The Man, Thievery Corporation, Slightly Stoopid, KONGOS, STRFKR, Allen Stone, Dispatch, Tribal Seeds, and more! THC has regular radio play and repeat appearances on various radio stations around the valley including KUKQ Phoenix, KWSS 93.9 FM, Delux Radio, Melange Cafe Online Radio and KJZZ Phoenix 91.5 FM.
Cori Rios (Guitar & Vocals), Chaz Fertal (Tenor Sax, Percussion & Vocals), Enrique Naranjo (Drums and Percussion), Jesse Morrison (Keys, Percussion & Vocals), Lisa Lizanec (Trombone & Vocals), Seth Gory (Bass).
