As the first eerie flute mellotron notes drift in on "Seeds of Tomorrow," you know you're not in for a typical singer songwriter album. Gabe Gonzales' first album of course is NOT a typical release. The production is excellent throughout with Gabe playing every instrument (no small feat considering how fleshed out each song sounds!) It's obvious that Gabe records each song with love and care - but also and most importantly, with an attention to detail to make sure the other instruments - the layers of electric guitars, piano, harmonies and drums compliment the songs without overwhelming them. The title track creeps into existence with Gabe's low tenor sung against guitar, both drenched in slap-back echo. Dealing with environmental concerns, the song hints at a much darker vision of the future with lyrics such as "Is this our destiny? To run from the rising sea?" The album continues with "The Way I Feel Today," a jaunty little ditty that bounces along with some nice piano work. Gonzales voice blends very well in layers to make some beautiful harmonies. "Alberquerque" shows Gabe exploring a softer sounding pop with Pixies influence. At times through the album, Gonzales' chord choices take unique detours. A guest trumpeter adds some licks to the minor key "Charade" creating a strange juxtaposition of sounds. The acoustic "Miss Saigon," recorded live, captures a 60s folk vibe showing that Gonzales knows how to craft an endlessly catchy hook. Set back to back with the spooky Television-esque jam "Sweet Girl" you get a sense for how diverse Gonzales taste is. Other highlights include the druggy, pysch-out "Moving Mountains" and the frankly gorgeous Archer Prewitt-styled "The Perfect Place." This album is a diverse, well-produced first release from an artist who shows great promise for the future.
***author: Jeff Gutman***
happy New Year Gabe. Monterey Brit might have a show we could play at in febuary, and the Cupertino Brit is still changing things around remodel-wise, but when they're ready...
Gabe! Looking forward to Turkey Week and our Saturday gig. I'll start the promos on Monday: Myspace, Facebook, Twitter...all the bollocks. I also put you in my top friends here so peeps can easily check you out. Talk to you soon.
I had a great time and can't wait to do it again. I had so much fun meeting all you guys and playing a great night of music. I look foward to playing somthing else with yall.
My bands Name is Dirty Boots, check us out at DirtyBootsBand.com and we can be friends too on myspace, FaceBook, what eves.
The new True Margrit CD - The Juggler's Progress - is now available for pre-order, along with t-shirts and artwork, photo and drumheads, check it out here: http://bit.ly/7Cu8J
Next shows: October 28, Jazzbones in Tacoma, WA October 30, Mississippi Pizza in Portland, OR October 31, Nana's Irish Grill and Pub in Newport, OR November 1, Muddy's Hot Cup in Arcata, CA November 5, Molly Malone's in West Hollywood, CA
Our tour wraps up with the big show at San Francisco's best rock club, Bottom of the Hill! For the complete show schedule, check here: http://bit.ly/1UgGqQ