The first time I heard Gliss was on KCRW out of Santa Monica, CA. Driving guitar licks, a thumping bass line, and thrashing drum jams is the signature sound of this three-person band. A twist for Gliss that sets them apart is that all three; Martin, Victoria, and David can, and do, swap instruments. What I'm saying is that Victoria plays drums, guitar, and bass and this goes for Martin and David also. So Gliss has the talent, but do they have the sound to match?
The first track off Love The Virgins is a song called "I Want You". It has an ominous tone to it, with its synthesizer intro that gently brings in the guitar and bass chords. As the drums pick up the beat, the song comes alive with either Martin or David's voice. The liner notes don't let you know who’s on first here, so I can't be to sure who is singing and who's on what instrument. The voices of both men are different, and you can tell right off the bat. The voice in the second track, "Huh, What?" has a higher pitch to it, but blends well with this type of song. The bass and drums are banging hard as the guitar rips through the beat and connects the singer to the song. "You gotta grab that oar/ you gotta settle the score" is sung over a rapping sound of the snare drum, giving this song the fuel that lifts it off the ground and sends it on a roaring trip.
Although the sound feels like it’s coming in from a different orbit, the root all 12 tracks have is a rock and roll rhythm that keeps each note on the right beat. Beneath that raw rock sound, lay the pedigree of a down-to-earth rock band. "Blue Sky" displays this concept fairly well. It has a steady beat with the bass and guitar jamming along, never straying far from the rhythm. Drum rolls bridge the gap between the melody and the chorus with winding string chords following the same path.
Article comments
1 - You
I agree, this band has talent I rarely see in other bands. I know them, and I can say they are not faking anything or trying to be anything. As for the two singers, Martin does all the main vocals, Dave and Victoria do backups, though I can't even hear Dave most of the time. That high pitched bleat is Marty, and so is that low croon. They are amazing.
2 - Beau
Yeah I auctaly know Davids brother. He is my youth pastor. They did a concert for us a while back and let me say this they put on one hell of a show... its amazing to see them switch it up on stage when you normally just see a group in thee set roles but no they take it a step and and switch. The music is good has a very unique twist to it. Would defentitly recomend seeing them live if they have any shows... last i heard they are doing a tour in europe but if u cant get in on one grab a copy of their cd you should beable to get on somewhere off the net