Kristen Gass
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Kristen Gass

New York City, New York, United States

New York City, New York, United States
Band Alternative Avant-garde

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Rebel Spirit Music"

A former theater major at Juilliard, Kristen Gass is not stranger to dramatic turns and pauses and it shows on her debut EP, Band of Silhouettes with stunning results. That Gass takes chances here is an understatement - her haunting melodies, whispered vocals, and experimental instrumental turns scream nonconformity. Her album opener, “Ode (for James),” is an entirely instrumental, gripping guitar piece, while “Dog Days” is driven by an ominous bassline punctuated by jarring electro-fuzz bursts and Gass’ signature hushed and haunting vocals. On “Colorado” Gass’ vocals are so whispered and light the listener instinctively leans in to make sure not to miss a moment of whatever wisdom she might be imparting. “Posted” could be a simple acoustic folk track were in not for the subtle flute in the background, snippets of buzzing electricity, and poignant lines like “So this is what love is / a brutal harmony, a knock-kneed child that is a well / that only dries when it cries too long.” On “Ziploc Torso” an electric guitar riff persistently tries to press its way into the foreground, held in place by Gass’ unassailable vocals. Rather than a complete introduction to Gass, this EP seems to just hint at what the musician can and will achieve on her first full-length. Listeners will be eagerly waiting for more.

- Alyssa Rashbaum


"Curve Magazine"

This stunning six-song debut EP from the Juilliard School theatre major will probably get labeled by critics as experimental folk-rock, but don't let that scare you-this is primo mood music. The Brooklyn transplant's unconventional approach, which she deems "freak folk," results in haunting melodies and lyricism, and showcases extraordinary musicianship, ranging from the poignant instrumental guitar piece "Ode (for James)," which opens the set, to the dramatic "Dog Days," which sounds like some of Ani DiFranco's darker, more intense fare.The DiFranco comparison continues with "Colorado," which reminds me of "Millennium Theatre,"with it's sparse guitars and mostly whispered vocals. The rest of the EP continues in much the same vein, but, hey, if it works, why not? I look forward to hearing more from this up-and-comingperformer. - Margaret Coble


Discography

band of silhouettes 2007

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Bio

"band of silhouettes" is kristen's album debut

The collection of songs is Gass’ first release but she is no stranger to the stage. The Juilliard School Theatre major spent 6 years in the theatre world before finding her true passion in songwriting. Her unconventional musical interludes, haunting lyricism, and whispering unrelenting vocals coupled with her producer Jose Ayerve (Spouse, Winterpills, Mark Schwaber) provides the listener with an intimate portrait of time and space.

i suppose we call it freak folk
silence between…
uncommon chaos…
a love affair.