Gabriel & Dresden – Remedy

Josh Gabriel and Dave Dresden comprising of the duo Gabriel & Dresden out of San Francisco have been on the electronic music and DJing scene for over two decades.

Their latest offering in the form of Remedy would make you think they are fresh on the scene with indie-inspired, current beats that are uplifting. In today’s short-sound-bite, single-track, short-attention-span mode of listening, the approach of each track blended into another is daring, but works really well.  Not only does each track stand on its own merit it is stitched se well as an album that it will suck you in and take you on a fifty-minute journey that sneaks up on you before you realize it is over. The distinct vocals lent by Sub Teal (Brittany O’Neil), Jan Burton and rising star Centre compliment each track and make it unique.

The opening track “No One’s To Blame” sets the scene with simple synth, retro electro beats and unique vocals from Sub Teal. Centre’s soft, almost early vocals on “Remember” create a subtle tension. This along with “Falling Forward” and “All I’ve Got,” bring a refreshed flavor to the refined sound of Gabriel & Dresden sound. “Keep On Holding” brings us to somewhat darker vocals of Jan Burton but combined with uplifting sound and sharp beats by the duo take you sense on a bit of a trip. Sub Teal’s (Brittany O’Neil) solo vocals. “Will I Change” steal the show and are probably the highlight of the entire album. The strong club beats blending into “Coming On Strong” will get you and keep you on the floor – if not have you moving in your seat. “Luna” and “Twelve” are the only two tracks without vocals and they both provide a nice transition flow within the album. “Luna” is a more upbeat with a retro feel while “Twelve” has almost a retro techno sound that builds slowly into the big finish of the album with “Something Bigger”. This track has the most variability and tension to it with a high energy intro and body with slow haunting vocal breaks from Sub Teal (Brittany O’Neil).

According to the duo: “This is an album inspired by the comfort we can find when wrapped in nature”.  I would say they hit the mark on what they were trying to achieve. This is a fantastic album and was on top of my list for 2020!