Photo by Gelareh
From the depths of Toronto’s vibrant underground music scene, the creative power of GelaX has manifested once again in the form of “Shhh…” – an album that not only solidifies their status as trailblazers but also pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of darkwave/post-punk music… Blending intense emotions with the dynamic sounds of indie rock and electronic pop, GelaX captivates audiences with their striking visuals, complex lyrics, and mesmerizing melodies. The duo, comprised of the enigmatic singer-songwriter Gelareh and the skilled multi-instrumentalist Tareq, embraces innovation and fearlessness in their music.
Shhh… is a perfect reintroduction to GelaX and a vivid explanation as to why it seemed they went dark for a few years — they’ve been hard at work. Born amidst the solitude imposed by the global pandemic, and drawing inspiration from the fervent Iranian Women Freedom Movement and the persistent turmoil in Palestine, this latest work marks a distinct shift towards a darker, more introspective realm for Gelareh and Tareq. Their most ambitious endeavour to date unfurls through expansive soundscapes, where synths, electric guitars, and rhythmic pulsations meld with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Gelareh’s voice, both powerful and nuanced, weaves through these meticulously constructed layers, revealing a newfound depth and vulnerability. This album boldly navigates the turbulent waters of contemporary discourse, touching on themes of censorship, the essence of free expression, and the complexities of modern liberty.
Their poignant lead single, Loki, is an evocative first offering. The lyrics express disillusionment with societal norms and the hypocrisy of leaders. Themes of love, equality, and idolatry are contrasted with personal experiences of deceit and manipulation. The recurring motif of “Loki coming back” symbolizes rising chaos and the internal struggle against imposed falsehoods and injustices.
“The song just came effortlessly, especially after the COVID pandemic period, where we saw a big unrest between races, sexes, genders, sexualities, political views, ideological views, even scientific matters,’ the band explains. “It felt like a big divide was happening all while some corporate masters seemed to be profiting more than ever. There was an existential threat to us all as humans coming in the form of diseases, inequality, political dictatorships, atmospheric changes to our weather, etc , yet we were not paying attention and directing our frustrations towards each other. Loki is the warning. The shape shifting god is coming back to add to our chaos and deception while we’re all distracted.”
The self-directed visual accompaniment to Loki unfolds as a phantasmagoric tableau, where ethereal vocal harmonies intermingle with dancing shrouded in mist, their movements a dance of shadows and light. Interspersed throughout this spectral ballet are poignant acts of masquerade, serving as a metaphor for the collective disillusionment and scorn directed towards governmental inadequacies in safeguarding and uplifting its citizenry. This is an invocation for the shakeup we deserve.
Watch the video for “Loki” below:
GelaX initially garnered attention with a series of acclaimed singles released between 2017 and 2019, which led to the celebrated EP “Dreamonic” in 2021. Gelax doesn’t just create music; they craft an immersive experience, complete with haunting visuals, avant-garde fashion, and compelling videos.
While they admit the forthcoming album might not be for everyone, they are compelled to share their truth and present it in the only way they know how: through their music. One thing’s for certain, with their creativity clearly at an all-time high, they’re poised to make their biggest mark yet.
Listen to the new single Loki via streaming here.
Shhh… comes out on the 29th of March via Mint 400 Records. You can presave the album here.
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