Setting the tone with a luscious, melodic indie-pop meets Brit-pop hybrid soundscape, we are already hypnotized by Loose Canyon, which is the opening track from Gabriel’s Dawn‘s brand new album, also titled, Gabriel’s Dawn!
Immersing us with the introspective lyrics, “Something is stirring deep inside of me, England is drowning in dark anxiety, if I could take you anywhere, I’d take you anywhere…”, Gabriel’s Dawn set the tone for their opus, which touches upon themes of escapism and lost love.
The record is the debut album from the Midlands (Leicester and Newcastle Under Lyme) based group, brought together through a shared love of melodic pop, jangly guitars and classic songwriting.
We love the conceptual lyricism featured in Loose Canyon, including the conscious, “For what it’s worth I’m younger than yesterday, I want to be part of a movement, subculture, self-improvement…”
The second track, You, Your Favourite Subject takes on a more personal approach to experience-led songwriting, with psychedelic detailing that has us enthralled. I Don’t Believe (in the Summer of Love) has a more Americana edge, but also has a soundscape that would not be lost on an early album from The Cure. We has a more optimist edge, whilst All My Life lends itself to deeper vulnerability.
Real Love is optimistic, whilst also painting a picture of the current state of England. 24 Hours from Heaven is a charming and self-realized number with luxurious harmonies that remind us of The Beatles.
Tell Me Which Way is vibrant and takes on a more personal angle for the artists, whilst Loaded Gun lends itself to a more conceptual energy with the lyrics, “The only love that you’ll ever find, in the palm of your hand…in the palm of your hand…”. We absolutely love the message of Gentle Chimes which features the opening lyrics, “It’s so easy to criticise and to hate when you never create…”
The album was recorded and mixed by band member Leon Jones at his own studio in Stoke on Trent throughout 2021, and features Gudg on vocals, Fran Feely on bass, Leon Jones on guitar and Stuart Gray on keys.
Quite iconically, the album also features guest backing vocals from Robyn Gibson, formerly of The Junipers and currently Hot Toddy, and Phil Mason who was band mates with Leon in Alfa 9!
Speaking on the record, band member Fran says, “Our aim from the start was to make a classic album. Something we’d be proud of and something we hope will stand the test of time. So we didn’t want to rush anything. With no option of gigs during lockdown and no real anticipation towards us in terms of releases, there was no pressure on us, so we took our time to get the sound we wanted.”
Fran elaborates with reference to their soundscape, “We are all massive fans of 60s culture, music, films, art and fashion. That’s not to say we are stuck in that time period but I’d certainly love a time machine for a day or two to go back there and experience it.”
We love the passion and nostalgic futurism that the band creates with and have added Loose Canon to our New Music Spotlight playlist. You can buy the full album via Bandcamp!