Gitkin – ‘Golden Age’ [Album Review]

On Golden Age, the new long player from Gitkin, aka Brian J. Gitkin, the guitarist delves into concoctions of cumbia, North African, and Middle Eastern music tinted with tangs of his New Orleans-suffused sound.

Discussing his sound, Gitkin says, “My goal when creating is to think as little as possible and do what feels good. I don’t overthink creating. If I wake up with a groove in my head or melody idea I just go into my studio and record it.”

A talented vocalist and bandleader – Cedric Burnside, Corey Henry, Pimps Of Joytime – his solo project allows Gitkin the freedom to express diverse instrumental vibes and melodies.

Golden Age begins with “High Noon,” a blend of Latin-lite flavours merged with hints of Spaghetti Western tinctures. While “Delta Mystic” features aspects of psychedelic-lite disco riding a Rhythm Ace beat topped by echoing, intertwining textures and an oozing, schmoozing guitar.

Revealing vague suggestions of Booker T. Jones, the playful “Go Time” showcases the low-slung, braying organ of Palestinian keyboardist Simon Moushabeck, infusing the tune with glowing textures.

“Ninth Ward Grind,” saturated with retro country surfaces, travels on a rhythm provided by drummer Washington Duke. An oily, western-laced guitar imbues the tune with drawling tones, giving it what Gitkin refers to as “this home-on-the-range western twang that keeps making its way into my sound.”

Gitkin, photo by Carol C.

A personal favourite because of its drifting, lounge feel, “El Gran Camino” floats on smooth, gliding colours as wistful vocals offer the feeling of nostalgic contemplation. Another standout track is “The One,” which Gitkin describes as “Sudanese synth-trance mixed with Tuareg, Black Sabbath, and 2000s-era hipster disco.”

The slow bluesy sensation of the title track, featuring Assaf Spector, closes the album out with the malaise of an aching, broken heart.

Drenched in the pathos and personality of Gitkin’s eloquent guitar, Golden Age is at once voluptuous and evocative.

Golden Age Track Listing:

1. High Noon
2. Cumbia-ya
3. Delta Mystic
4. Iced Coffee
5. Go Time
6. Ninth Ward Grind
7. El Gran Camino
8. The One
9. Tall Oaks Grind
10. Golden Age

Run Time: 30:15
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Record Label: Wonderwheel Recordings