Indie four-piece Gear keep things as simple and effective as their name implies, carving out a uniquely evocative, nostalgic but gritty realm as an authentic band, and building their sound around boldly poetic and powerful soundscapes and songs.
Their latest release, the single and video Crystal Ghost, marks a sublime introduction to all of this. It’s a song and humble set of visuals that are quick to connect and hold attention throughout, thanks to the band’s genuine appreciation for subject matter, substance, and a beautifully satisfying groove.
Things start off with short lines and a fuzzy indie rock soundscape. It’s a raspy voice, a full sound but delicate in its clear sense of rising anticipation. Think along the lines of Oasis but with something a little more metaphorical at its core, and with an overall ambient style and structural depth that soon helps weave an entirely original kind of web.
Great vocals, a powerful degree of unity between bandmates, and simple yet striking songwriting. Crystal Ghost gets the chemistry just right in many ways. The song is complex and provocative by nature, the question “Have you ever slept in a bed of roses?” resounding as the energy builds, and the very nature of the title and opening lyrics portraying a defiant sort of mystique and contemplation that’s captivating.
Surrounding all of this is of course an anthemic indie-rock presentation. Strong riffs, faultless and honest vocals, and both passion and humility walking hand in hand throughout. It’s an intoxicating listen, and its concept and tune lingers with you long after the music as ended. Even that four-chord pattern sticks around in your mind, along with the humble ambient and atmospheric choices that help further the song’s old-school arena vastness and warmth.
Gear is a band made up of long-time friends from Northern Ireland. Gaz on vocals, Simon on Guitar, Andy on Drums, and Nigel on Bass. It’s a modest line-up, instrumentally to-the-point and mighty in its inherent togetherness, and it’s perhaps this unrivalled connection and willingness to commit to the cause that lets the band’s music reach out with such emotional charm.
Having already begun their trajectory as an unmissable live band, Gear are now well and truly en-route to securing their role as one of modern indie’s most compelling songwriting groups. The music hits with impact through the airwaves and in the live setting alike, and that kind of versatility, that staying power, makes all the difference.
Download or stream music by Gear. Find Gear on Instagram, X, Facebook.
