As Delores Galore, Gabrielle Washington puts on a live performance that exudes perseverance, longing for true freedom and genuine expression. She is leaving her mark at every show, and is telling us her story of why she belongs on the stage. Thankfully, her story now transcends the stage and can be heard on New Growth, her debut EP release on Acid Waxa.
“The theme of the album is focused on my anxiety, and depression. Me as a black woman fighting to be seen and heard in the music industry, and just everyday life. Feeling isolated at times, falling in love, and how to work on staying in love. Not only with relationships, but also with whatever you feel passionate about”.
Born and raised in Virginia, Gabrielle relocated to New Orleans in 2013 where she cut her teeth co-fronting the group, Sexy Dex & The Fresh, on vocals, keys & guitar. The latter components also make up the bulk of the tracks on New Growth, where Washington’s trusty Juno 106 can also be heard lighting up every track as her voice aches and soars over jackin' drum machines & sassy synth bass. Her songs recall classic disco and early house music, R&B and soul, all served-up within a slick synth-pop framework, topped off beautifully by Sam Tomson's inspired artwork.
'New Growth sparkles with pop magnificence, reminiscent of 1970s disco and the synth-heavy post punk of the early 2000s. “One Touch” is airy and expansive, incorporating a retro-sounding spoken word section; “$till We $tay” is creepier, bringing in gothic percussion sounds and unexpected use of texture and open space. “Circles 4 U” is a devastating power ballad rendered in dense synths'. - Claire Biddles for The Wire Magazine
credits
released June 4, 2021
All songs written, produced, mixed and performed by Gabrielle Washington. Additional synth on ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, synth + backing vocals on ‘Circles 4 U’ & cover photography by Dexter Gilmore. Re-mastered by Stephen Bishop with artwork from Sam Tomson. C&P Acid Waxa Records 2021. ACIWAX57.
That song, you know - rtrtrtrtrtrttrtrtrt - chopped - rtrtrtrtrtrtrtrt - fits just perfectly and I guess so it will just 20 years from now on - for eternity. dp54