Sounding like a pre-Christmas gathering of Mark Lanegan, Spacemen 3 and The Polyphonic Spree, this gothic, gospel twist on the Lou Reed-penned classic may be short on traditional festive cheer, yet its lush and languorous arrangements are sure to thaw even the iciest of hearts.
Originally featured on The Velvet Underground’s fourth album, ‘Loaded’, here The Gospel transform the 1970 cut with their own cinematic stylistics, adding sweeping string sections, glistening shoegaze-tinted synthesisers, and rich multi-layered vocal harmonies. Guided by Jimmy Sweet’s earthy baritone, the results make for a transcendental interpretation of one of The Velvet’s most seminal and understated moments.
The band’s first official studio release, frontman Sweet says of their choice of cover: “It’s a modern cinematic synth take on the classic Velvet Underground song.”
Produced by Rex Whitehall and Luke Stidworthy, “I Found A Reason” was mixed and mastered by Jason Shaw (Cambodian Space Project).
A supergroup of sorts, The Gospel are a cinematic synth and percussion band featuring LA‘s own Jimmy Sweet (Hot Hot Heat), Danni McCormack (Mel from hit 90’s TV series ‘My Parents Are Aliens’), Charis Anderson (Curse Of Lono), Heather Bell (Nova Hawks), and Hazel Cotogno (Poussez Posse).
Infusing ornate arrangements with the vintage grittiness that oozes from the 1970s analogue synthesisers they use, their otherworldly music deftly traverses the void between Nick Cave and Goldfrapp.
Formed in the UK with Sweet now based in Manchester, The Gospel recently launched themselves onto the scene with a string of live dates, attracting an ecstatic review from Louder Than War’s John Robb who praised: “The music is mind-blowing…it feels like the Gospel are going to be making a big noise soon.”
“I Found A Reason” arrives as the latest in a string of releases from No Big Deal Music, the indie label launched by Astrid’s Charlie Clark. Seeking to introduce independent music from the Scottish Highlands and Islands and beyond, the label has already released inspiring new cuts from Isle of Lewis native Scott C Park, ascending LA artist Clarke & The Himselfs, Highlands soloist The Joshua Hotel, plus Charlie Clark who recently released his debut solo album ‘Late Night Drinking’ on the imprint.
The latest addition to No Big Deal’s burgeoning roster, standby for further new music from The Gospel in 2023.
