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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Gene Loves Jezebel

X - Love Death Sorrow

Review by Gary Hill

Gene Loves Jezebel has always been one of those bands who have managed to slip under the radar for me. I mean, I knew about them, but I had never really heard them. They were part of the Goth rock movement and this recent release from them finds that they still do a great job of creating that type of music. They also stretch things out getting into folkish music at times, proggy things and more. If you liked them in the past, you will probably love this album. If you (like me) have never heard them, you should check them out. This disc would be a great introduction.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025  Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
The Man That Time Forgot

The classy Goth rock guitar sound that brings this into being is great. We’re taken into a classic Goth rock groove. This feels like a relic of a by-gone era, and in a great way.

The Light Pours Out of Me

While the basic vibe is similar, this comes in a little mellower and more restrained. It manages to rock out pretty hard at times. They build a nice contrast between mellower and harder rocking stuff.

Serpent Queen

I really love this song so much. It has some great hooks. It’s still set in the same era and genre, but this just hits better for me than the previous two did.

Broken English

Now, this thing stretches out nicely. While that retro Goth thing is still there, it seems to be dominated by something that comes closer to a modern prog sound. This is definitely one of my favorite things here. It’s pure magic.

I Breathe Easy

More like a ballad, there are hints of space rock and more in this. It’s slow, pretty end evocative This is another that leans toward prog at times.

A Girl Like You

I dig the cool guitar sound on this. At points it leans toward retro rockabilly. Beyond that, this is more of an alternative rocker. It’s so tasty and another highlight of the disc.

The Foolish Young

There is definitely a lot of retro rockabilly like sound built into this thing. It’s a classy rocker that feels even more vintage than a lot of the stuff here.

In Between Days

A mellower, melodic cut, this a real ballad vibe. It’s an effective piece, but not a highlight for me.

Young Girl

This reminds me quite a bit of Al Stewart. It has some great hooks and textures. It’s on the mellower side, but still manages to rock and groove.

You Can't Hurt Me Anymore

Mellow and quite pretty early, this is another that makes me think of Al Stewart. It’s also another that leans toward prog rock territory. It turns more rocking later and gets more into the Goth rock zones as it does.

Lone Rider

I dig the bass on this so much. The whole tune rocks with style and charm.

Another Girl, Another Planet

Folk rock based, this is another that makes me think of Al Stewart. Despite the title, it serves to ground the set to end.

 
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