Another Brand New Gambles Track

Man, I just cannot wait until this new Gambles drops, and I think you’ll all be equally impressed, especially considering the people he has working with him (J. Tillman, D. Vanderveld, etc). This track opens up simply enough, mostly with vocals and guitar; there are little bits of strings and keys tinkering away too. Just before the 2 minute mark, the song swells, turning the folk track into a pop opus that’s some of the best work he’s done. Not sure when Let Us Be drops officially, but you can rest assured it’s going give the man the credit he’s due.

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Enjoy a New Gambles Tune

Since I stumbled upon Gambles way back when, I’ve always been drawn to his songs. Sometimes they’re pretty stark, much like this new tune he just put up; it only moves beyond vocals and light guitar strums at the 2 minute mark. When you hit that mark, the production swirls filling in the space with choral vocals and added layers that build the song beyond a mere folk ballad. Thereare hints of a new release, as his work is always prolific and ever-changing (he claims these are love songs). A certain Joshua Tillman behind the production board could hint at a certified hit coming our way very soon.

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Brand New Song from Gambles

Gambles-Far-From-Your-Arms-EP-COVER-highresI think my favorite thing is when an artist slowly releases music, keeps it quiet, and just lets the song make its way straight into the world. That’s what I love about Gambles, though he’s gotten some acclaim, I think his best work is that where it’s just carefully made its way into my hands through my own discovery (and Internet trolling). On this new tune, he sings just above a whisper whilst carefully picking at his guitar; it’s his work at his most intimate, which is always a huge success in my ears. I love the emphatic touch at the end; his voice raised just a touch louder…a beautiful way to wrap up the song.

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New Music from Gambles

Gambles-Far-From-Your-Arms-EP-COVER-highresThe last time we heard from Gambles he has released his album, Trust, which we fawned over.  Checking in on him the other day, I found that he has quietly been building new songs for us all, though they’re different in sound, showing his growth as a songwriter. His first effort had him working with the power of his voice over a strummed guitar, for the most part.  Now, he seems to have been experimenting, adding extra layers, percussion, etc; it’s an interesting progression, yet just as striking as his earlier work.  Both tunes are said to come out on a new record, which we’ll keep you posted on.

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New Music from Gambles

sissyI was beginning to think that something had gone wrong for Matthew Siskin, as I hadn’t heard a new tune from the prolific songwriter, who operates as Gambles, in several months.  But, today, a new song came our way, showing a different side of Siskin.  This song is focused around more of a processed beat, rather than his traditional guitar work.  It’s a new approach, but his voice and lyrics are as strong as they’ve ever been…one of the many reasons I love his work.  I appreciate a fresh approach, but I’ll reserve final judgment until we hear I Can’t Keep Still When It Comes to You, his new album that hits on April 28th.

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Fresh Ballad from Gambles

Gambles-Far-From-Your-Arms-EP-COVER-highresRemember the year end lists? Well, one of those artists that I loved in 2013 is already winning me over in 2014 with a brand new track.  That man is Gambles, and his voice is the main focus on this track.  The guitar is quieted, but that vocal pulls at every emotional heartstring, especially when he employs a sullen hum atop a heavy strum.  It’s short and sweet, but it leaves a lasting impression.  It’s a leftover tune from the sessions that led to Trust, which I suggest you revisit immediately.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/01-Winter.mp3]

Download: Gambles – Winter [MP3]

Gambles – Trust

gamRating: ★★★★½

Admittedly, I’m a music consumer on a massive scale.  It means that I get to enjoy tons of great bands, but on the downside, it takes a lot to emotionally move me.  In 2013, I’ve had that happen once with Majical Cloudz; it’s happening again as I spend repeated listens to the debut album from Gambles, Trust.

From the instant that “Angel” came through my speakers, the sincerity in the work of Matthew Siskin, aka Gambles, was extremely clear to me.  There’s a slight echo in the way his vocals have been recorded, as if your best friend had you recorded his rooftop ramblings.  However, these aren’t ramblings; these are well penned lyrics of life, love and all the things in between.  I guess it’s no surprise that the following track is titled “Rooftops,” though the strumming of acoustic guitar on this track is much more intimate and softer than the opening tune.  An entire verse seems to be sung via whistling, aligning Siskin with troubadours of our hearts from days of old; it’s striking how such a simple touch can seem so personal.

The incredibly moving moments from Trust continue into the third track with “So I Cry Out.”  It was this song that really made me fall in love with what’s being created within the confines of this album.  As that music consumer, some moments of creation have become predictable to me.  So much so that I can typically figure out where a lyric or note will start and end.  This is not so here, as Matthew holds on to notes for his own sake, often elongating syllables for the emotional effect; this slight personal affectation has allowed him to stand out among many of his peers, if not all of them.

But don’t think that this debut album by Gambles is short on solid listening after the powerful opening tracks.  It’d be easy to write and fawn over everything on the record, but I’ve taken to loving “Penny for a Grave” the last few days.  The humming is a nice alternative to the traditional whistle, but the lyrical substance is really great.  My personal favorite line from the track: “is it the smell of your old bones/calling me home again.”  Even more personal to me is the fact that you can’t simply decipher the lyrics, they’re shrouded in metaphors that I dare not attempt to uncover.  But, that’s what makes it personal, that’s what makes it special; I can ascribe my own meaning to these tracks.  “265” is another such tune that I’ve taken a liking to, as well.  There’s a rise and fall to the song, in both the vocals and the musical accompaniment.  Siskin does well too with his guitar playing, alternating between soft strum and heavy-handed stroke, and always with purpose.

It’s difficult to see past the bullshit sometimes, and even more difficult when you’re only working with your guitar and voice.  But, somehow, somewhere, Matthew Siskin has created a gift for listeners.  You can rush to rip off the wrapping or you can choose to go slow, but one thing can be assured: you’ll never ever regret the day you picked up the first full-length from Gambles.  May Trust be our first introduction to a long and remarkably affecting career.

 

Tearjerker From Gambles

Gambles-Far From Your Arms-EP-COVER-highresMatthew Siskin, and his musical project known as Gambles, has been on our minds over the last year with the release of his stellar EP Far From Your Mind.  With that EP already under his belt, Siskin is returning later this year with a highly anticipated full length LP entitled Trust.  To get us even more amped up for that release, new song “So I Cry Out” has been made available as a new single.  My description as a tearjerker will immediately become apparent after you give the track a few spins.  Sheer Beauty.

New album Trust will be out October 1st via GMBLS.

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Gambles – Far From Your Arms

Gambles-Far From Your Arms-EP-COVER-highresRating: ★★★★☆

For the last year or so, the name of Matthew Siskin, and his Gambles project, has been on many a writer’s lips, or pens, or keyboards.  After spending several days holed up with his short Far From Your Arms EP, it’s clear to me that all his accolades and interest are warranted.  His EP is intimately moving, touching every corner of my oft darkened soul, awakening the spirit and faith in music/art once again.

“Trust” begins with a slow strumming, with Siskin’s voice wavering just atop.  At points, he seems to struggle, though not in a manner that turns people away.  Rather, I’ve been drawn closer into his sound, listening for every slight crack or every tarnished note, all reverberating a purity in songwriting that I’ve missed a lot lately.  While the pacing of the strumming provides a sensation of solemnity, he picks things up slightly moving forward.

His strumming of his acoustic takes a heavier-handed turn on “Safe Side,” though he alternates between that punchier strumming technique to quieted careful note picking.  But, when it’s loud, the sound is emphatic, yet his vocals turn intimate when he brings things to a hush.  He’s speaking to someone, or a character he knows, switching from a personal perspective to more of an omniscient thinker.  The closing whistle is an added touch of beauty.

Skipping ahead to the EP’s title track you’ll find what I consider one of the best two songs written this year.  “Far From Your Arms” is the perfect bit of modern folk music, both in its sonic approach and its emotional pull. As Matthew’s voice rises, ever so slightly, one can picture himself listening carefully in a smoke-filled pint-size room, holding your breath as every note is played.  Perhaps the song’s about a journey home, or the distance that divides us all, but regardless, it encapsulates everything I’ve ever dreamed of hearing. I imagine this song will play in my head and heart for some time.

What amazes me about listening to Far From Your Arms is how much I feel the impact and weight of the songs within.  Admittedly, I consume a lot of music, and it takes a lot for something to really really hit home.  But, in five short songs, Gambles has achieved that feat, with both the poetry in his lyrical content and the emotional pull of every chord.  This is a must listen for anyone.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/04-Far-From-Your-Arms.mp3]

 

More New Music from Gambles

653I know this song comes with an extremely sad story, but I think just the fact that it was written demonstrates that Matthew Siskin, aka Gambles, is more than just some sad troubadour writing great songs.  He’s got an emotional/political spirit, reminding me that there’s so much more that music seems to have moved away from.  I like the fact that it’s mostly Siskin’s voice, with a lightly strummed guitar and a few piano chords quieted in the background; that voice is so striking it will continue to haunt me for years.  You won’t see this on any release I’m sure, but you can check out the lyrics and a brief post from Matthew HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-song-for-Jeff-Bauman-Jr.mp3]

Download: Gambles – A Song for Jeff Bauman Jr [MP3]

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