Fausto/Faustito was formed in 2018 by
Mike Molnar (guitar), Andrew Pacheco (bass) and
Chris Sensat (drums). The three had been touring extensively as the backing band for Whitney Rose; Mike and Chris had previously rounded out the beloved “Workingman’s” Bellfuries lineup. The all-instrumental F/F is an ongoing workshop for their rock and roll, jazz, and C+W ideas (hence the debut release “Country and Western”).
Since Andrew Pacheco’s relocation to his native Toronto, F/F regularly collaborate with such Austin, TX bass greats as Michael Archer, Josh Williams and
Phil Spencer. Performances are characterized by rollicking rhythm-section choogle, and a near-mania for guitar improvisation.
“A Tele ace in a town full of Tele aces, Mike Molnar has found his niche as the uncommon twanger with the Bellfuries and other artists. Sure, he has buckets of chicken-pickin’ chops, but he’s also a modernist who combines new harmonies with bold compositions.”
(Pete Brown, Vintage Guitar Magazine)
"A mostly instrumental record from a drummer might seem like a hard sell on the surface, but in fact “Rye” is a refreshingly easy listen. Playing keyboards as well as drums, Sensat gets help from guitarist Mike Molnar (who produced) and upright bassist Nick Clark on 10 tracks that are musically adventurous yet focused enough to sound like songs rather than jams. A veteran of Austin bands including The Bellfuries and The Alice Rose, Sensat proves to be a dynamic, versatile and creative musician on this first step into the spotlight. Here’s
“Boom,” which features a guest spot from organ master Red Young."
(Peter Blackstock, Austin American Statesman)
