LOS ANGELES, CA- On the crisp night of October 13th, 2023 at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, I found myself bathed in the entrancing aura of Golf Alpha Bravo’s enigmatic frontman, the Australian virtuoso Gab Winterfield. It was a night that left me yearning for the 20th, the day “Surf The Coffin,” his latest 10-track opus, would finally grace our ears. You see, I’ve been doggedly tracing Gabriel’s musical journey since he emerged from the neo-psychedelia-laced dance-rock coterie of Jagwar Ma. Thus, when the invitation to his album release party fluttered into my world, excitement swelled within like a sonic tsunami.
Now, let’s talk about this gem of an album, “Surf The Coffin.” It’s a treasure trove of vibes, an auditory experience I couldn’t get enough of, spinning it relentlessly. What truly astounded me was that every sonic nuance, every artful twist and turn, was conceived and meticulously crafted by Gabriel himself. This self-production effort lends an unshakable cohesiveness to the project. The psychic sonics are woven with a surprisingly pristine touch, revealing a sense of artistic liberation that pulsates through the music. There’s a noticeable uptick in BPM and an infectiously cheerier disposition that’s hard to ignore, though, mind you, that’s my take on it.
Among the standout tracks, “Surf The Coffin (Bury Me With My Gat),” “Let Foot Forward,” and “Alien Glue” beckon like musical sirens, luring you into their sonic depths. Yet, amidst this captivating soundscape, my personal favorite emerges in the form of the album’s opening anthem, “15 (Mirror Song).” There’s an ineffable connection it forges—a mesmerizing fusion of introspective lyricism with a radiant instrumental canvas, all held together by an irresistibly cascading hook. It’s the kind of sonic potion that hits the sweet spot with an electrifying jolt.
I got the chance to throw a couple of questions Gabriel’s way to learn more about the album. Let’s dive in.
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What was the process like writing and recording this album? Is there a common theme or purpose that runs across the entire project? I know that “Surf The Coffin” Is the name of a track, but is there any special reason you named the album after it?
It was a very solitary one (Laughs). I was trying to define something that ticked all of the boxes of things I liked, so it was a lot of pondering the orb. Then i was just running take after take, trying to get everything sitting right. I don’t have a lot of equipment, but everything I do have was a conscious decision… And it all works harmoniously. I was tracking during the day, in a very warm sunlit room, and mixing/arranging at night.
I know that “Surf The Coffin” Is the name of a track, but is there any special reason you named the album after it?
The record is named after that track because I think the track aesthetically probably defines the album. “Surf The Coffin” to me is a metaphor akin to ‘do not go gently into the night’. Also, when you find your stillness you can feel ‘through’ your existence and certain sensibilities… like life and death become ephemeral… moving through life, moving through the physical, are just ways of interpreting time. Like still frames from a moving image. I am more interested in the light that passes through the film.
I really enjoyed the music performed live. Compared to the last time I saw you perform live at the Goldfish, I really felt like there was a little extra energy in the new material. Am i reading too much into it?
Thanks! Ya… I wanted to subtract some of the ‘chill’ aspects from the last record, and make more of a rocker. At this point, I really desire and love momentum as a concept. Momentum in general. Rhythm and moving bodies of water in any form really inspires me.
Which of songs on the album are your favorites? And why?
I like all of them. They’re all out there doing something different. “Gotta Come From Somewhere” and “Alien Glue” feel important to me lyrically, They’re probably the most autobiographical. Honestly, I’m just scrawling on walls hoping someone might walk by
Are there any songs that you are really excited to play live?
Aside from one or two songs, they’re all arranged guitar, bass, drums and vox, and they can be played live as a trio. So, in that way I’m excited to play all of them out to everyone. As we tour them more, I’m sure they will evolve as songs do. Maybe I can release a really great live album further down the line.
What’s the plan get this music out to the masses? What are you planning on for the rest of the year?
Touring and doing any press I can! I’ve got something other things I’ll be announcing soon. In the meantime, thanks and keep enjoying the record.
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