
Photo of Gildon Works by Kristie Lee Krause
When we asked bass guitarist Cody Ferdinand of Gildon Works earlier this week if this was the band's experimental "White Album", he responded modestly by explaining that they just wanted to "keep it simple" with the red lettering on white artwork for the band's latest release, "Artful Rifle". The band are anything but simple, and "Areanum Ghost" is a great example of what is to come with its slow-buildup, wash of cymbals and guitars, and leading into "Sight Unseen"; the album takes the perfect turn into the sound of what is to define the new songs of Gildon Works. Seemingly inspired by post-punk, no-wave, and lying thoughtfully between music by artists such as Echo & The Bunnymen, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and The Walkmen, GW uses a sharp kind of precision to accent their dreamy and affecting tones. A powerful live act, the band represents equally as well on CD leaving a heady, and strong imprint behind in their wake. "Wires With Fortune" is one of the album's many standout tracks and features beautiful backing vocals from the band's newest member, and multi-talented leading lady, Stacy Shevlin. The album's title track, "Artful Rifle", a final symphony in its own right; is a beautiful number that ebbs and swells, ending with a full, but quite nearly tragic, feeling. We suggest leaving the album on repeat, and letting Areanum Ghost play again; it's the perfect bookend from end to beginning with its uplifting and lyrical start, and as they sing, "The story's not over ..."
Gildon Works - myspace










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