It's such a rarity nowadays finding out a band playing classic rock without looking like a bunch of old farts clumsily rehashing old sounds and melodies.

I'm happy to report that KAATO are one of these rare birds.

Fronted and founded by Australian rocker Kurt Lowney, KAATO came together in 2015 as Kurt began working with Nashville-based producer and veteran rocker Mitch Malloy to write and record the selftitled album. "From day one, the musical chemistry between Kurt and me was undeniable." says Malloy. Both had grown up listening to and savoring the same musical influences… only Mitch experienced his musical heroes as a kid in realtime and Kurt was introduced to the classics by his parents.

Kurt has harbored the dream of KAATO since he was a 16-year-old recording in post-earthquake Japan in 2011. The Japanese called him Kaato (pronounced Kah-toe), meaning Kurt. It was during this time KAATO became Kurt's performance persona and stage name.

Kurt and Mitch began recording the KAATO album in Nashville at Mitch's studio, Malloy Master Tracks. Kurt brought along his longtime friend and bass player, Mika Nuutinen, while Mitch brought in guitar virtuoso Tristan Avakian (remember him in Red Dawn?) for lead guitar and, once again, the musical chemistry was so undeniable that Tristan became part of KAATO.

KAATO's self titled album was released last July 1 via Nostalgia Media Group. It's a truly great, infectious rock record with elements of blues and funk, inspired by such heroes as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Boston, early Def Leppard, Black Crowes, Hanoi Rocks, written and played with personality and viridity.

Check the video for the single High Time clicking on the image and stream the whole full-length on Spotify. If you buy only one classic rock album this year, be sure it's KAATO!.