Gatlin Black – Modern Spirit

 

 

Gatlin Black – Modern Spirit
Swear Word Records – 2026
Rock, Country, Alternative, Americana, Grunge
Rated: ***

Been meaning to start up a recurring post section called: ‘Bands I Miss’. Cause even though we are bombarded with amazing new music, new bands and new albums, there are moments when I intensely miss certain bands. One of them: The Penny Black Remedy. And then I pressed play on Gatlin Black’s debut album Modern Spirit. A five piece from Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, and the alternative Country and Americana vibe, together with the vocals immediately reminded me of Keith M Thompson and his Penny Black Remedy outfit. Sure, PBR used more ska elements and more humor and Gatlin Black opts more for the laidback and lazy approach. But still… 

Their heartland storytelling, soulful, sometimes gritty alternative take on Americana, Country and Rock carries all those deeply human narratives towards something almost hypnotic. It’s almost like you are gazing at a reflection in a pond somewhere and forgetting about time and all the worries that might trouble you. Even though the lyrics still channel all those troubles, judgement, struggle and quiet despair. And with those circling riffs and rhythms that mirror the emotional loops in their lyrics this is the kind of music that simmers rather than explode. But you can also hear this is the kind of music that expands live, goes big, loud and might become entirely cathartic. It’s an immersive escape and you need to be ready for the moment when you topple over into that pond… 

(Written by JK)

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