We all have demons to defeat and devils who dance with us, dark spirits, metaphorical and otherwise, who put challenges in our way, aim to trip us up, and lead us astray. Yes, we all have them, but they rarely end up in song.
Paul Gehl’s diabolical beasts have, perhaps, it is a way of exorcising them, or at least normalising them; it’s certainly a reminder to everyone listening that we all have such burdens, that though our personal challenges might vary, everyone is battling some difficulty, everyone has demons to slay, devils to defeat.
And he wraps this lyrical theme up in a killer rock and roll song, one that is suitably dark, brooding, but defiant too, a rallying cry and soundtrack as you head once more into the fray, demon-slaying sonic sword in hand. Guitars salvos build a rumbling, almost metallic riff, drums power things on, depth-charge bass lays down a gothic groove, and Gehl’s vocals are suitably world-weary and wistful.
And the neatest thing found in this song already full of so many neat things, Paul Gehl is responsible for all over it, from writing to playing each instrument, recording and mastering…he’s a god damn one man sonic army.
