Beautiful. Weird. Elegant. Curious.
At age 28, after 2 full length albums, a live EP, a soundtrack for east coast documentarian, Kent Bye, over five steady years of live shows, and with a full arsenal of incredibly competent musicians at her side, Chicago native Gwen Mitchell is primed to launch yet another collection of originals directly into mainstream awareness. Begin: Eclectic Consciousness Music.
Each song is treated like a vingette; sketches of Latin swing and jazz, are penciled by a deft sense of percussion and pocket in “Athena,” care of Grant Niebergall, percussion.
The palatable pop structure of “Presently” and “Motor”, are made substantial by bouncing, floating, and melodic bass lines [Vasquez], and graceful, soaring strings headed by newest addendum Albright. Between the rolling, bubbling rhythm section and the swift breezes of melodies, Gwen draws you a vivid landscape that is impossible to imagine otherwise.
Dubbed “eclectic” not for lack of stylistic focus or musical identity, but rather, Gwen moves her band through genres and even time periods in fully realized leaps. Musicians and audiences alike have called her a cogent innovator in experimental music. Each song is expertly crafted utilizing the more “behind-the-scenes” tools of music--rich color combinations, lush arrangements, and memorable melodies. “Start with what is familiar and breath freshness into it. Use what is already in everyone’s consciousness for momentum into a new idea.”
The grimier rock tracks like “Persephone” and "Ailes de Papier" dig a deep well and draw up this sludgey collective consciousness that feels cathartic and vulnerable at the same time. Even though she handles deeper, more mystical concepts, Gwen never seems to be overreaching herself or the band’s abilities.
And though her more instrumental albums and performances prove Gwen is a competent guitarist, where she shines on this album is in her voice which should be noted as much more than a vocal approach. Her voice is heard in her ability to make allowances, as an editor and an arranger—showcasing a passage, a phrase, or an instrument—to stretch, pull, and squeeze as much life into 4 minutes as possible.
Art rock by production, grime by feel, folk by roots, pop by melody, poetry by lyricism, or jazz by soul: however you classify this band, the singular vision driving this musical pastiche is the fresh approach taken to everything you’ve heard before.
Beautiful. Weird. Elegant. Curious. -esque
ha! thanks my dear. it was a good one. and yes, happiness is a warm drunk falling off logs smurf. happiness is also a minnesotan gwen! hope it's going magically!
not sure.....things are gonna be a bit crazy cause Sandy has to work odd hours....yeah..... CALL ME sometime Friday during the day, I can probably work something out.
wow, we should be ashamed of ourselves. the neglect, it's painful. we have surely let ourselves go. gained 20 lbs of not writing eachother weight. ech. and yes, i'll be in town soon, perhaps the 27th!
McGreetings Gwen Mitchell Experiment, Cheers for being our friend on myspace and we sincerely hope you enjoyed our music. Please Keep in touch as we value your friendship and support very much! All the very best to you, from McDave and the boys of Pegasus in Bonnie Scotland. ROCK ON! and have a great week.
eeek! i have to attend a bday party on saturday and actually promised to make a cake shaped like a ham for it...obviously my presence with the ham cake is super important. but as for indiana, id love to go with you guys and open. please give me the details if you're still down. it would be a pleasure.
Hey I was listening to your music and I like just thought it was sooooo cooooool and you are like sooooo amazing I just like really want to meet u OMG. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
hello there gme. ive got shows at the lincoln lodge this friday and at joe's on weed street on sunday...wanna come? and i would love to work with you guys. just let me know.
wow..long time no see. hope all is well. unfortunately i'm not living in the haute anymore..but i think i'm gonna have to make a special trip down and see you.
Gwen, u and ur band were amazing! Seriously, check out Ember Swift. They also put on a great live show. She plays with Lyndell Montgomery! PHENOMINAL. U totally rocked! liz
Sweet! Can't wait to see you guys and all your lovely organs at the Speak on the 23rd!! Unfortunately I won't be working that night after 8 pm, but maybe that means I'll actually get to stick around and HEAR the songs for once instead of having drink orders shouted in my ears all night long! :) Awww, how come yr chicago friends get to have the hat party and we don't? I'm severely jealous.....
dude, i totally can't go. for which i feel horrible for. deja's performing at the mca friday evening. but we've got to hit logan square one night. how's the EARLY yoga going?
Adam Hart, LVNMUZIQ, Ripley Caine, and Gwen Mitchell Experiment Live @ The Red Line Tap 7600 N Glenwood Ave Chicago IL 60626 APRIL 25th @ 9:00 pm $5 Cover / 21+ www. myspace. com/cakechicago THE THEME FOR THE NIGHT IS "APRIL SHOWERS" Please come dressed in your favorite hat.
