GABRIEL:
Album Review: "DEMOLOGY 1"
Classic Rock Society Magazine
" If you're a subscriber to Rock Society and don't
know yet about the Yorkshire based band GABRIEL then you
have been living in a cave picking fluff from your belly
button. They were heavily voted for in the CRS BOTY Best
New Band section last time around and an album such as this
highlights the band's increasing potential. Come on national
radio wake up and start to pick up on great British talent
and get it out there for all to hear!
Marc Atkinson must have one of the best voices I've heard
in many a year while a settled band line up is something
the band have now to pray for. They have the ability to
rock it up, 'CRAZY', or to lay back in wine bar mode, 'MOVE
ALONG', and in either mode they entertain.
Here is material that deserves the opportunity to grace
many thousands of hi-fi's world-wide, let alone across the
heartland of Yorkshire. Comparisons are easy since their
pop/rock style has had many comparing them to Crowded House,
something that has to be seen as a real honour.
Yet another shining light being dulled by the interminable
commercial crap on the airwaves and on music TV today!"
Martin Hudson - Classic Rock Society
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Gig
Review - The Studio, Hartlepool
"Ga'briel
took to the stage as a complete unit for only the third time
in over a year, this is a band you can really indulge in,
their deep melodies and epic overtures really involve the
senses. All incredibly accomplished musicians, there is a
real maturity and vitality in their music. Latest addition,
new drummer, Alex Cromarty, was very impressive, only his
3rd outing with the band and he has already accomplished a
very high comfort level, Gabriel's music isn't straightforward
and having experienced Ga'briel's 'Ascension' album, and thoroughly
enjoying it many, many a time, I know how tricky it can be
to sound comfortable. Ga'briel's music is a discerning style
and requires clarity to be enjoyed fully, but tonight without
their own PA and using The Studio's in-house PA it came a
cross a little muddy, a little more distinction between instruments
and overall clarity would have been good tonight, but the
band played on and it did not compromise Ga'briel's overall
stage presence and their outstanding ability still shone through.
Marc
Atkinson (lead vocals& guitar); Graham Hodge (acoustic guitar/b.
vocal); Paul Cusick (lead guitar); Andy Seddon (bass) and
Andy 'Rob' Swann (keyboards) are a damn fine unit. Their enigmatic,
epic, and rockesque tunes flow effectively as they combine
and work off each other just like a band should. Marc is a
very, very strong vocalist and Graham compliments proceedings
with enhancing harmonies while delivering atmospheric acoustic
guitar strains. Andy 'Rob' on keyboards generates a sublime
backdrop for Alex and the other Andy to fasten onto, and Paul
is a fabulous lead guitarist, the technical side I don't know,
but his sound was immense. Paul is given a free role, so to
speak, this liberty is allowed by the fact that Marc and Graham
are very accomplished guitarists and hold the tunes and rhythms
while Paul wields guitar orientated spells with harmonies
and deft touches of guitar excellence, that lift these fabulous
tunes to greater heights.
Some
of their set was alien to me, but didn't lack any of the aforementioned
quality that is apparent throughout most of their material,
and it was good to hear those tracks off 'Ascension' that
we were familiar with, 'Stay With Me', 'I Wanna Be With You',
'Faith & Betrayal' and 'Always Remember (Who You Are). A few
of tracks that they played tonight are off what they call
the Barn Sessions, an unreleased batch of demo songs, that
sounded equally impressive in their Marillion meets Pink Floyd
escapades. A reasonable house at The Studio was immensely
impressed and consumed each number with delight and enthusiasm,
and obviously rapturous applause greeted every ebbing note.
Ga'briel
are damn good, of that there is no doubt, and as they settle
with their new line up, they will become bigger and stronger
and extremely popular of that I am sure."
Colin McCosh - "Keep It Live"
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Gabriel
- "Ascension"
Band
of The Month
"Wake
up to Gabriel…Why aren’t this band absolutely massive, is
there no justice. Since coming across their website we have
become strangely addicted to the music which is Primarily
acoustic based with a rock edge, trying to find the bands
influences is virtually impossible the bands unique style
is something that's needed to give the UK's music industry
a kick up the ****. This band are not a manufactured boy band
and don't come from any TV show they are pure talent, The
bands line up Marc Atkinson (vocals, acoustic guitar); Graham
Hodge (acoustic guitar, vocals); Andy 'Rob' Swann (keyboards,
programming, percussion); Paul Cusick (guitar): Andy Seddon
(bass) and Alan Scott (drums) have it all. The Debut album
"Ascension" is stunning, the production is crystal clear and
the overall sound is very mature and well structured. All
in all this is a very tasty album and one that grows on you
each time you play it. I have no hesitation in recommending
the CD to any lovers of music with some meaning and class.
Well done to Marc and the rest of the musicians who have crafted
this album! "
NetMusicUK
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Gabriel - 'Ascension'
Gabriel sent us their latest album offering 'Ascension'
and it really is very good. Primarily acoustic based with
a rock edge, the beauty of this though was, it was so hard
to draw comparisons on and say they have been influenced by
so and so, but eventually I feel it's an experience of Crowded
House meets Marillion. The writing is dignified, bright, confident,
but the whole packaging surrounding this finished article,
from the cellophane that it took a lighted match to break
through, all the way to the ebbing note on 'Always Remember
(Who You Are)' it oozes out talent of massive proportions,
and is ultimately clinical, if I had to guess on ages of the
band in terms of the ability and quality I am listening to
right now, I would estimate they are all about 602!!!!! The
secret to Gabriel is the ease of presence, the tracks on 'Ascension'
have a complicated feel, but are suitable for the basic listener
(i.e. me) to enjoy without delving to much into the technical
aspect. Marc Atkinson (vocals, acoustic guitar); Graham Hodge
(acoustic guitar, vocals); Andy 'Rob' Swann (keyboards, programming,
percussion); Andy Seddon (bass) and Alan Scott (drums) have
it all.
The album is eager and bountiful, 'Stay With Me' is a bright
opener, but, next up, 'Brave New World' to me optimises what
the band are all about. Fantastic vocals (Marc) and an even
better chorus, incredible use of harmonies, that lift a great
song even higher. The arrangements only consolidate the experience
here at work, intertwined with aforementioned vocals, slightly
off-beat drums, conspicuous bass, delicate guitar all pulling
their weight in this very spirited tune.
They mix it up in terms of weight and tempo, and the only
theme I can pinpoint is the 'classic rock' aspect, there are
moments when I felt a twinge of a less frisky Pink Floyd and
that was only fleetingly, but really their sound is wholly
their own. 'The Closest Thing' and 'More Than You Know' demonstrate
the variables they can accomplish. Respectively, the acoustic
arrangement takes hold and Marc displays a definitive vocal
role, supported finely with haunting keyboards and subtle
guitar and even subtler bass - perfect; then you are thrust
up a notch, tempo upsurge, more gusto, but no less quality
in another brilliant piece of work, do I like this more than
'Brave New World? - Dunno' but I like the competition!
I could go on breaking down all of the songs but, there
is no need, I would only re-iterate in broader terms of what
I have already stated, my only and biggest regret, sadly,
I have not had time to break down the lyrical content, but
when I do I expect another world to open up, Gabriel have
that gift of pursuing and complementing music as a whole,
they are elegant and have respect for what they write and
play. I can't fault this in any way what so everŠŠ OK, the
cellophane was a bugger to get off!!!
"COLIN McCOSH - KEEP IT LIVE"
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"Ascension is an
album of fine music by a band that has found their foothold
in the classic rock arena; reviews of their performance at
Rotherham Rocks were outstanding. Rightfully so, the band
blends 70s-style sensibility with modern arrangements and
heartfelt lyrics. Greatly sensitive male vocals dominate the
lightly rocking arrangements; Heather Findlay clearly contributes
backing harmonies along with Janine Atkinson, and Ruth Hodge.
Gabriel's sound is largely derived
from Marc Atkinson's dramatically sung lead vocal parts and
Rob Swann's lush keyboards. Acoustic guitar, electric guitars,
bass and percussion perfectly compliment the overall sound--and
the backing work is superb. Ascension combines upbeat, lightly
rocking numbers with heartfelt ballads; guitar and keyboard
excursions demonstrate the artists' virtuousity, complimenting
rathern than detracting from the material. It is easy to see
why the band have so quickly become a Classic Rock Society
favourite.
Standout tracks include the upbeat,
keyboard-laced and even radio friendly "More Than You Know,"
the crisp rocking opening tune "Stay With Me" and the wonderful
rocker "All Of My Life" with their lush vocal harmonies. We
especially enjoyed the lush instrumental--wonderful keyboard
part--and vocal blend of the rocking "Cry For Me."
The album's ballads ("The Closest Thing,"
"Faith & Betrayal," "Mother Love," "Fragile," "Here I Am")
are sung and produced quite well. The tracks that bridge upbeat
with ballad are especially enjoyable--instrumental bridges,
including Angela Goldthorpe's flute passages, demonstrate
the depth of the recording. The modern sound of "I Wanna Be
With You" clearly illustrates that Gabriel are not trapped
in the past. The light rocker "Always Remember (Who You Are)"
that closes the album leaves the listener longing for more.
This is clearly one of the best new
albums we've heard this year, and one worthy of further exploration.
Take a trans-Atlantic journey; this one is a must listen!"
"www.musicaldiscoveries.com"
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"GABRIEL
are a five piece band from York. I think they are on to
a sure thing here. Great band name that is strong and easy
to remember for starters. But the music, oh the music, is
top stuff. Catchy, commercial, radio friendly, original
yet familiar (a classic combination!) and songs! "Stay
With Me" is the first track on the 12 track album and
is a killer track, immediate and enjoyable. This is followed
by gorgeous vocals and a soothing rhythm on track two called
"Brave New World". I am slightly worried now as
track three "The Closest Thing" is even more of
a killer song than the first two. Well Gabriel, what can
I say? This is perhaps one of the best top ten albums I've
ever had the pleasure to listen to. THANK YOU for sending
this in, I feel privileged to have this album. You DESERVE
to be HUGE! Contact these guys if you want to hear some
of the best tracks you are ever likely to hear."
MIC
MAGAZINE
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"What
has my chocolate Labrador Kramer got in common with Gabriel?
They both come from Rawcliffe, North Yorkshire. That's where
the comparison stops; one my dog is better looking (only kidding)
and he can't play music anywhere as good as this lot!
It
was Bryan Josh (Mostly Autumn) who introduced me to this bans
and what a pleasant surprise; full of superb vocals and matching
harmony vocals and musicianship of the highest calibre. What
else when founder member, Marc Atkinson, has worked with The
Kinks, Paul Carrack, Tinita Tikaram and The Strawbs to name
but a few. Formed in 1997 before fizzling out the following
year they were reborn when Atkinson brought it back to life
with a new line up.
The
current line up is augmented on the album by most of Mostly
Autumn and the end result is a mix of excellent Crowded House
style pop with steady ballads enhanced by injections of flute
and acoustic guitar.
Where
the pace does hot up the line up of Atkinson (vocals/guitar),
Andy "Rob" Swan (keys), Andy Seddon (bass), Graham
Hodge (guitar), Allan Scott (drums) are enhanced by the easily
recognised Bryan Josh guitar; catch him on the beautiful "Fragile"!
Overall
there's a lot of that Aussie pop cross over with Brits Squeeze
here that is good listening. Organ is always hovering in the
background and different styles of accompanying guitar make
it smoothing worthy of a large record company looking in to!"
WONDOROUS
STORIES MAGAZINE, CLASSIC ROCK SOCIETY
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"Gabriel
write effortlessly graceful and well-crafted, adult orientated
songs that are realised with flair. Each offering brims with
a particular blend of soul that you may here on the records
of Texas, the Lighthouse Family or George Michael. The vocals
work especially well, hitting all the right notes as well
as remaining accessible enough to have a broad appeal."
DickB
- Peoplesound Review
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"Gabriel
are a six-piece outfit from York in England. I have to say
I am very impressed with this album. From the opening acoustic-guitar
strum of STAY WITH ME to the drifting sounds of ALWAYS REMEMBER
(WHO YOU ARE) this album is one beautiful journey. Vocalist
Marc Atkinson has a voice many other singers would die for.
Melodic, easy on the ear and soulful, his voice helps carry
the songs to new heights. Not that the songs need much help
with soaring! Every shade of emotion is explored. From the
acoustic guitar/flute led MOTHERLOVE to the hard-rock riff
of CRY FOR ME, the album never gives you a chance to get bored.
If only all bands could display an understanding in creating
light and shade like GABRIEL.
Check
this album out immediately! You will not be disappointed."
KEVIN THORPE - MUSIC
RAG
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GABRIEL
- ASCENSION
This
album is the debut CD from Marc Atkinson who is a good friend
of Bryan and the rest of Mostly Autumn. In fact no less than
five members of Mostly Autumn appear on the CD!
I
have to say that this is a stunning Debut, the production
is crystal clear (no doubt John Spence who engineers Mostly
Autumn helps alot) and the overall sound is very mature and
well structured. My favourite track so far is FAITH AND BETRAYAL
that contains a superb soaring guitar solo from Bryan. The
track MOTHER LOVE is another stand out song and has Angela
on Flute. All in all this is a very tasty album and one that
grows on you each time you play it. I have no hesitation in
recommending the CD to all Mostly Autumn fans and any lovers
of music with some meaning and class. Well done to Marc and
the rest of the musicians who have crafted this album!
Autumn
Leaves Fanzine
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