Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

I want to share with you unique music where one genre flows smoothly into another thanks to the stunning technique of the musicians and their unique style. I want to share with you the band The Gothtones from Chicago, fronted by Jerret Cortese (singer/songwriter) with collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Doug Patinka. Their main genre is punk rock, but on top of that they layer blues, dark gothic rock, sometimes hard rock, and yé-yé. A special form of counterculture inspired by British and American rock ‘n’ roll, and you can hear it in their new album ‘Gothtones’. The 10 tracks take us on a dark journey through the band’s world, changing the atmosphere around. This album feels as if it was woven from pure inspiration and liquid rock drive. It features guest vocalists Amelea Tshilds, Carolyn Engelmann, and Ann Filmer, and Heath Chappell on drums.

There is something very personal, intimate in ‘Gothtones’, especially in the lyrics of the tracks, and something elusive, energetic and uncontrollable in the arrangement and in how The Gothtones feel their instruments. I like the dynamics in the band. How the seemingly dark, heavy sound, at times very experimental with rather unexpected punk production, merges with very gentle, heartfelt atmosphere that bring joy, then pain, then memories that seemed forgotten forever. And this duality, this dynamic between dark sound and emotional lyrics makes this album very meaningful and deep. This is quite an interesting and conceptual album that you definitely need to hear if you have always loved post-dark sound, and also if you want to discover new genres, new music that will stay with you for a long time. I would like to highlight a few tracks that caught me the most and that almost shaped the sound of the band for me, and that is amazing.

The album opens with the track ‘Piranha’. Here, a vivid rhythm, grooving guitars, and Jerret Cortese’s sensual and laid-back vocals glide between the beats, immediately letting you feel the atmosphere of the band, a blend of influences, genres, and styles. All of this merges with lyrics full of meaning, open to interpretation, where each listener can find something personal and resonate with what The Gothtones are expressing. I like how the harmonies and atmosphere shift in ‘Tragedy Menagerie’ with its sensual and romantic delivery. The lyrics take on a more poetic tone, allowing you to build your own narrative, like a music video unfolding in your head.

I enjoy the unusual production choice where the vocals of Carolyn Engelmann and Amalea Tshilds come to the forefront, at times overtaking the lead vocal. This creates a striking effect that sounds unique and makes the track stand out right away. Then the style changes with the track ‘Skin And Bones’, giving way to a more hypnotic post-sound. Still, there is a playful, poetic quality in the vocals that invites you to see the world from a different angle. I like how this track slowly builds tension, shifting its tone and lyrical content, each line amplifies the weight of events and the impact of the world around us in these turbulent times.

I cannot skip over the track ‘The Candivores’ for its unique rhythm, the complex harmonies that echo one another, and the more restrained performance that gives goosebumps. I like how the band’s music constantly stays on the edge, and by the middle of the album there is a feeling that the melody is about to break loose. The next ‘Midnight And Holly’ sounds, very hazy, gentle, filled with inspiration and allowing you to disconnect from reality, enjoying the slow sound that really sticks. It is a rather complex and technical song where different rhythms and harmonies merge, making it one of my personal favorites on the release.

The album finishes with the bright ‘Gimme Sunshine’, very vivid and minimalistic compared to the previous ones. The light vocal comes to the forefront, creating a playful atmosphere. I like that the album ends on such a bright, atmospheric note of warm joy and calm. The grooving bass, sparkling keys, and steady drum rhythm create a very summery mood. It is the perfect final track, leaving a sense of wanting more and curiosity about what the band will bring next. Wow, that was cool! Be sure to add your favorite tracks from the album ‘Gothtones’ to your playlist so the music of The Gothtones is always with you, and follow the band so you do not miss their next amazing releases!

Hello The Gothtones! Thank you for releasing such amazing music. This is a truly complex, deep, and atmospheric release that you can listen to again and again, each time discovering something new, surprising, and rediscovering your sound. There is so much inspiration, thought, and craft here, and you can feel it, it makes the album ‘Gothtones’ so valuable and unique. I really loved how you work with genres and atmosphere, and the lyrics really amazing. I will definitely share your album with everyone so they can hear this great music too. It was incredible! I love it, I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville