The Gypsy West: Accomplices
“Attention all corporate personnel”: prepare to rise up with The Gypsy West’s powerful sophomore release Accomplices. In their first of an upcoming series of EPs, the trio takes on new musical and thematic territory as they confront hierarchy, freedom, resistance, and love. Backed by bassist Matt Smith, percussionist Steve Beck, and a noble string ensemble, front man (and producer) Alex Giorgetti cuts through each track with an impressive range and crystal tone. If only his beacon of a voice stood out in the mix a bit more…
Aside from a stunning rendition of Paul Simon’s “Richard Cory” (which the band absolutely owns), the album’s standout track “Unraveling” is a lamenting yet inspiring anthem (“If you think you’ve given up/that’s because you’ve given up/Don’t give up/it’s not over yet”). It is a centerpiece for the (concept?) EP’s overall motif, whose message is revisited in the final track’s call-to-arms with Giorgetti’s steadfast vamp “Bring it on/and on”.
If you haven’t yet heard The Gypsy West, mash together Pearl Jam with the off-tempo idiosyncrasies of Led Zeppelin, garnish with a sprig of Johnny Greenwood, and serve with a tall, cold pint of vintage Bowie. “Our sound has the aggression and songwriting of modern music, but the concepts and style of the early 70s,” says Giorgetti. “One thing we’re trying to do is just constantly put those things at odds with each other.” If that doesn’t completely satisfy your appetite, the band (plus a new fourth member) will be playing all over New England this summer.
Fans can expect the second installation of Accomplices later this year in November. Meanwhile, do yourself a favor and look for part-one (and their premiere full-length Dustfires) on iTunes. For tour dates, to hear the entire EP for free, and to otherwise feed your newfound obsession, find The Gypsy West on MySpace or thegypsywest.com.
