The Gems - Phoenix - Englische Originalversion

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thegems phoenixIn the beginning of last year it became clear that the three former members of THUNDERMOTHER had formed a new band. Singer Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson and bassist Mona “Demona” Lindgren presented themselves in March as THE GEMS, where Lindgren also plays guitar. Several concerts have been held. A guest bassist has then participated on stage. Friday January 26, on Mancini’s birthday, the swedish Rock trio will release their debut album “Phoenix”.

Guernica, Emlee and Mona recorded new music together in Nordic Sound Lab. To help them, they had their friend and producer Johan Randén, with whom the group has also written some of the songs. ”Phoenix” was mastered by Plec Johansson (SOILWORK, HANK VON HELL, FIREWIND) and its cover artwork was created by another ex-THUNDERMOTHER member Giorgia Carteri (SOILWORK, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA). The new record contains 16 tracks, consisting of an introduction, two interludes and 13 songs.

The material begins with the superb intro “Aurora”. After a light clap of thunder, the sound of rain is heard. Pumping drumbeats keep the rhythm going at a marching pace. The melody is nice and the lyrics are about rising from the ashes and somehow find the strength to rebuild. The tempo of the music increases and warm Rock’n’Roll surrounds you in the following “Queens”, which is kind of a celebration to feminine power. We hear lovely bass tones from ”Demona” in this great song. Guernica Mancini pauses for half a second before singing the title word, which adds an extra intensity.

Standing up for oneself and fighting back are a couple of the main themes in the lyrics on “Phoenix”, which the track “Send Me To The Wolves” is a good example of. It was the very first song that the members of THE GEMS wrote together. The music swings incredibly well in this Hard Rock piece, which has a touch of Blues, as well as a 70s groove. Mona Lindgren is awesome. Her guitar playing is cool, but at the same time soulful. The interlude ”Renaissance” is nice and interesting, but too short in my opinion, because I want to hear more. Except bouncing drumbeats, we find Mancini’s lovely voice, singing seemingly random tones in the background. It would have been great to hear a whole song with that atmosphere.

“Domino” is a cool and fantastic Rock song, with a pumping rhythm from drums and bass. There is a positive, driving energy in the music. You get in an exuberant good mood when you listen to this track. The singer is gifted with an excellent voice, which we hear in, for example, “Ease Your Pain”. It’s a calm song that is emotional in a straightforward and simple way. This whole stunning composition touches me, especially the outstanding guitar solo. In the superb “Fruits Of My Labor”, Mancini has a touch of blues in her tones, with a soulful small vibrato, which gives a very lovely feeling.

Their first ever single, ”Like A Phoenix”, was released in June 2023. Straight away it gained a remarkable amount of Spotify streams and YouTube video views, and reached spot number 2 on Rock Radio Airplay Charts in Germany in no time. I understand why, because it’s an awesome tune with a driving force and a catchy chorus. This smoking hot piece of Hardrock is one of my favourites too. The acoustic version that ends the whole album is at least as good. On that track, producer Johan is a guest on guitar in the background. This material has the same strong energy as the original, especially in the frontwoman’s voice. The stomping beat ticks on. We also find wonderful, bluesy guitartones in the solo.

In “Kiss It Goodbye” there is both cockiness and warmth, just like on the whole record really. One of the ingredients of the debut work is playful Rock’n’Roll. This band has a gifted singer and skilled musicians. You can clearly hear that they are no newcomers. Speed and precision, strength and energy, as well as a lovely bounce in the drum beats sum up Johansson’s style. Lindgren plays fantastically well on both of her instruments. All three bandmembers are very talented and it’s a joy to listen to them. THE GEMS aura feels like a force of nature, wild and free.

They set out on an unexplored path and managed to find the right road immediately. The group’s Hard Rock music is very uplifting and easy to absorb. No frills, but still inspiring. “Phoenix” is a brilliant debut, which also bodes well for the future. Guernica, Emlee and Mona stand strong together on new ground that they themselves have created. THE GEMS are here to stay. (Anna)

 

Bewertung:

Anna9,5 9,5 / 10


Anzahl der Stücke: 16
Spielzeit: 45:15 min
Label: Napalm Records
Veröffentlichungstermin: 26.01.2024

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