GOSPEL

GOSPEL
THE MOON IS A DEAD WORLD (2005)
224-320 KBPS

Gospel was, at least in my opinion, one of the most refreshing bands to recently (and maybe ever) come out of the "hardcore" genre...Though, to say they're a "hardcore" band sells them far, far too short. When I first heard this record a few months after its initial release, I listened to it daily from beginning to end, and to this day it remains a staple of my usual listening habits. I hear so many great influences in this band that are woven together in such a unique way that somehow, they all come together to make a record I find to be truly original and groundbreaking.
Many of the guitar sounds could be at home in your favorite dub record or Godspeed You Black Emperor album, while also most likely finding a comfortable niche in the most psychedelic of late 60's/early 70's psychedelic rock a la Pink Floyd's "A Saucerful Of Secrets" or "Meddle." The rhythm section also really shines through, playing intense, driving parts that are completely unrelenting in their approach. Their drummer is on top of his game, playing some heavy, bombastic, and overall flowing rhythms that Billy Cobham could be proud of. The bass lines are somewhat reminscent of Holger Szukay's early work in Can, and proggy synthesizer lines occasionally grace some of the tracks, trimming the often "cheesy" fat that occured in the instrument's prog rock past.
Vocally, Gospel trades off between two members, who share a similar screaming/yelling vocal approach, pleading with the listener to accept their lyrical message, which often seems to focus on various existentialist and/or humanist issues that can be easily relateable to the listener in one way or another. If screaming isn't your thing, worry not, because the vocals often blend in with the music moreso as an instrument than as a main focus, appearing occasionally as a garnish to songs that could easily stand alone as instrumentals.
Overall, though, this record is solid...10/10. It transcends many of the elements of some of the heavier musical genres that will ultimately be the final nail(s) in the coffin for most of them. I realize that as people get older, their tastes in music likely change in some way, and I'm not immune to that...most bands that would probably be held alongside Gospel as being "similar," I will most likely forget about or ignore in my older years, but I feel I can comfortably say that this record will always be a favorite of mine. My only hope is that someday this album will be heralded by more people as the true musical gem that it is.

1. Congratulations ... You've Hit Bottom
2. Yr Electric Surge Is Sweet
3. Golden Dawn
4. Paper Tigon
5. And Rdemption Fills the Emptiest of Hearts
6. Opium
7. What Means of Witchery
8. As Far as You Can Throw Me