GNS Releases New Album ‘YOU’
Afro-Irish alternative hip-hop artist GNS, based in Dublin, Ireland, drops his new album, entitled YOU, blending elements of experimental, ambient, alt-pop, and rap.
GNS explains, “I made ‘YOU’ in the comfort of my bedroom, with my guitars, midi keyboard, and drum packs, where I was able to be my most vulnerable self about certain things I was going through, and just say what I had been thinking and feeling. This is relationships, family, and high expectations for myself.”
He goes on, “’YOU’ is my form of self-expression, which is one of the main reasons I make music. I won’t tell you how to listen to this tape, but headphones, while reading, going for a walk, or as most people have said, in the car going for a drive.”
In 2021, GNS released “momma bird” and “BIB,” both of which were featured on playlists, including New Irish Music – GoldenPlec’s Fresh Fridays and Hot Press Magazine’s New Irish Songs To Hear This Week.
With McJordan, GNS performed “momma bird” in Laval, France, followed by performing at Redline Fest and the Annual World Sickle Cell Day, sharing the stage with Olivia Emade, V, and Sensei.
Encompassing seven tracks, YOU opens with “’ELLOW PAGES,” rolling out on soft, chiming tones atop a slow, drift-like rhythm as GNS’ smooth, coasting flow imbues the lyrics with prayer-like timbres as if petitioning for strength.
A personal favorite because of its undulating, rolling feel, “LOGIC OF YOUR PEACE” rides syncopated percussion, providing a delicious matrix for scrummy, dripping guitars, suffusing the tune with simmering colors. Floating, almost whispery, harmonies add depth and dimension, as well as creamy textures, to GNS’ dreamy flow.
Infused with hints of jazz, “MAD LVE” glides forth on a sparkling piano accompanied by a seductive trumpet. Another excellent track, “STAY/LEAVE” travels on low-slung acoustic guitars carried on a pushing-lite rhythm, giving the song a lysergic, sailing pace.
GNS has it going on! With YOU, he delivers plush, contagious washes of alternative hip-hop and luscious rhythms, capped by his silky flow.
