The San Francisco-based indie rock group Male Gaze looks back to the darker side of new wave for inspiration, with liberal amounts of jangle pop, gnarly psychedelia, and post-punk angularity in the mix as well. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Matt Jones, formerly of Blasted Canyons, the lineup was rounded out by bassist Mark Kaiser (ex-Mayyors) and drummer Adam Cimino (ex-the Mall). The band signed to Castle Face, where Jones helps run things, and released Gale Maze, a seven-song mini-LP, in early 2015. For the recording of the first full-length, the trio added former Blasted Canyons/Tiaras guitarist Adam Finken and set up shop with producer Chris Woodhouse. The resulting album, King Leer, was issued by Castle Face in June of 2016. ~ Tim Sendra