(Image above: Whitney Dann (L) and Aye Min Thant)

Buffalo, NY’s Gatto Black pen dramatic and emotional punk anthems that confront the weight of growing up queer and Catholic. The pain and confusion of trying to reconcile that your true self, in the eyes of the Church, is a one-way-ticket to eternal suffering. And the catharsis that comes with being brave enough to shed your shame, come out of the closet, and step into the light. 

This project is inspired by singer-songwriter Sal Mastrocola’s childhood as a bisexual Catholic kid in the Bronx, as well as the early 2000s punk and hardcore that helped him find his way through the darkness.

The project’s full-length album, “Sky Is Blue” was released in October 2025. Produced by Gary Cioni (Hot Mulligan, Crime in Stereo) and Michael Hansen (Pentimento, Hotel Etiquette). Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Gary Cioni at Sound Acres in New Jersey. Songs by Sal Mastrocola. Artwork by Joey Goergen.

Sal Mastracola visited the Flamingo Lounge on February 11 to tell his story and share his music.

For more information on Sal, you can check out his website: gattoblack.com and on Youtube.

Greg Hennessey’s “In the Flamingo Lounge with Rockabilly Greg” podcast is must listen content for fans of Western New York music. Hennessey has over 200 episodes in his archives at https://rockabillygreg.com.

New episodes are available at 9 a.m. EST each Saturday at RockabillyGreg.com. Each posting includes a link to the podcast, website, and social media links, images, and other interesting tidbits about the week’s guest(s).

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