GUM's "Saturnia" – A sonic odyssey of diverse and coherent explorations
In the ever-shifting cosmos of multi-instrumentalist Jay Watson, better known as GUM, 'Saturnia' stands as a celestial achievement. A veteran of musical exploration with a portfolio spanning five albums under GUM and a key role in the sonic odyssey of Pond, Watson has masterfully orchestrated a diverse yet remarkably cohesive masterpiece.
'Saturnia' arrives on the heels of 2020's 'Out In The World,' with Watson embarking on a loose musical expedition. Armed with ideas and musical sketches, the onset of the pandemic offered these compositions an unprecedented incubation period. The result is an album that simmers and ferments with creative vigor, each track an evolution of thought and sound.
What truly binds 'Saturnia' is its foundation in organic sounds and the rawness of real-life musicianship. Watson's aim for a more earthy, grounded approach is palpable throughout the record. It's the kind of music that feels like it was born in a garage and matured in the heart of nature. This authenticity provides an anchor amidst the auditory whirlwind that Watson invites us to embark upon.
'Saturnia' is a testament to Watson's artistic evolution. Each track is a testament to his mastery of alchemy, blending elements from various musical realms into a harmonious whole. There's a delightful unpredictability in the way the album unfolds, as it shifts between psychedelic meanders, synth-driven escapades, and guitar-driven anthems. It's a testament to Watson's ability to balance exploration and coherence.
The story of 'Saturnia' is one of an artist starting with a destination in mind but ending up somewhere entirely unexpected. The unexpected detours that Watson encountered in the creation of this album are what make it a work of brilliance. It's as though the music had a mind of its own, steering him towards uncharted territory, and the result is a treasure trove of sonic gems.
Saturnia' reaffirms GUM's position as a musical shape-shifter. Watson's music has always defied categorization, and this album is no exception. It's a testament to his relentless pursuit of sonic innovation and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his own creativity.
'Saturnia' by GUM is a celestial journey through the boundless universe of sound. Jay Watson has crafted an album that defies conventions, inviting listeners to explore the depths of his imagination. It's an auditory delight that balances experimentation with cohesion, a testament to Watson's evolution as an artist.
'Saturnia' stands as a shining star in GUM's discography, a musical testament to the beauty of embracing the unexpected. With this album, Watson beckons us to embark on a cosmic odyssey where every note is an invitation to explore the vast expanse of musical possibility.
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Wed Oct 4 | Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY*
Sat Oct 7 | Black Cat - Washington, D.C.*
Tue Oct 10 | Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL*
Thu Oct 12 | Parish - Austin, TX#
Fri Oct 13 | White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX#
Sat Oct 14 | Club Dada - Dallas, TX#
Wed Oct 18 | Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA%
Fri Oct 20 | Madame Lou's - Seattle, WA (early show)^
Sun Oct 22 | Polaris Hall - Portland, OR+
Thu Oct 26 | Lodge Room - Los Angeles, CA~
* with support from GIFT
# with support from Estereomance
% with support from Madeline Kenney
^ with support from Fruit Juice
+ with support from Wet Dream
~ with support from Joon & Automatic (DJ Set)
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