Hey, did you hear that Gallows got signed to Epitaph Records?

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the same Gallows that hails from Stockton; it was some other guys who bore the same name.

“We figured we’d rather change our name than have people start suing us,” said Outlaw Dance Society (nee the Gallows) mandolin player Aaron Chapdelaine, better known to local music fans as “Chicago.”

So, roughly ten months ago, they changed their name to avoid a sticky situation (this reporter would contend that Outlaw Dance Society is an equally cool name, if not cooler), but that was the only thing they switched up.

“We’re doing the same thing we’ve always done; maybe getting a little more complex with our style, but you’re going to get the same exact sound (as when we were called the Gallows),” Chapdelaine said.

Ah, yes, the sound. It’s hard to fully sum up what they’re all about, but the raucous acoustic mix of punk, folk, rock and bluegrass is delightfully unique and packs an undeniable punch.

The band is currently working on an as-yet untitled 7” which should see daylight soon, and also has plans for a split 7” with their new pals from Oregon, Rum Rebellion, who they’ve played with twice at the Blackwater Café this year.

But, first things first: Outlaw Dance Society is getting together with some of Stockton’s most cutting edge acts for BananaFest, which goes down on Saturday, August 2 at 2 p.m. The free festival will be held at Royce Farms BBQ at 10880 N. Highway 99 (at 8 Mile Road) in Morada.

Joining ODS will be Pretty Mama and the Not So Hots, the Second String Quintet, and the Icarus Jones Collective.

“Out of all the musicians in Stockton, this is probably the best pairing we could possibly have, they all really complement us well,” said Chapdelaine, who rocks the mandolin in ODS.

And yes, the mandolin does rock, especially in the hands of a trained violinist who picked up the instrument when he joined the group, giving it the kind of seething attitude that it usually doesn’t see when limited to traditional bluegrass twang.

“Chicago” is the newest member of Outlaw Dance Society; he joined up with them about a year after the band originally formed, after previously being part of hard rock outfits the Lobstrosities and Scattered Fall.

“It was a completely different world; it’s kinda nice to steer clear of screaming all the time,” said Chapdelaine of his pre-ODS projects. “I wouldn’t say I was getting burned out, but I felt like I could have fun and exercise my vocal abilities and harmonies more (with ODS).

“I like the style so much more because it’s music I can listen to and show it to my parents; but my heart is always going to be in the hardcore punk rock.”

Lucky for him, even though Outlaw Dance Society is more of an acoustic band, it still packs the kind of guttural romp that any born punk rocker needs to get up in the morning.

“Some fans will come out and say that, even though you’re playing this type of music, they can sense that energy and rebellion to what we’re doing; it’s a little easier for them to integrate that into their lives.”

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