GILT – Conceit | EP Review

A record where each track features a guest artist is a bold move, and it seems that GILT have carried this one off in total style.

Laden in emotion, vocally dynamic and instrumentally melancholic, the new release from Florida post hardcore duo GILT is best described as all of the best elements of post hardcore compiled into a huge sandwich. When reflecting on their 2020 full length Ignore What’s Missing, it’s tracks such as ‘Flowers’ and ‘What Color Is The Light When It’s Turned Off?’ that give off a solid perception of an emo band in their absolute prime.This is a group of musicians who could have easily nestled into any of their earlier sounds easily, because they have all been equally as invigorating. Instead, the US collective have continued to push their boundaries from one recording project to the next – constantly evolving to build in more intriguing directions.

 ‘Conceit’ takes its stance as a much more aggressive flavor, with vocalist Ash Stixx delves deep into grief in its entirety. Leaving no stone unturned, each of the EP’s five tracks strips back its subject matter to the very core. Each guest vocalist delivers a sudden level of perception, as if each track’s narrative is being verified by multiple perspectives. ‘Amethyst’ is a pleasant opening track for sure, and seems to bridge the gap nicely between Ignore What’s Missing – but make no mistake it’s far from the record’s highlight, as the best is still to come. ‘The Shape Of Tools’ comes crashing in with harsh vocals that bring instant, Being As An Ocean influenced nostalgia. So early into the EP, it’s a brilliant rush to be greeted with such a treasure. Driven by intricate drum patterns, the three minute delivery is a beast, twisting and turning from one mood into something much more intense. 

From its title alone ‘Small Hollow Bones’ set itself at high expectation. Something in the phrasing instantly catches ones eye, and the vocal delivery sitting beautifully on top of deeply rooted guitar tones brought to life by Tyler Fieldhouse create a combination second to none. GILT are a band who have their track placement down to a fine art. ‘Trophy Hunter’ featuring Nat Lacuna (The Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir) closes the record as an absolute blinder. From delicate symphonies, to harrowing screams and an arrangement that is a true testament to the duo’s writing ability, it’s a track that has it all.

Since the release cycle took its first steps, each single from the record has been met with some hard hitting praise. However, that amount of appraisal is set to appear minuscule when compared to the scale of acclaim they’re set to receive with the release of Conceit as a whole. GILT are definitely rolling through on a high and it’s clear that this is a band that have the knowledge and skills to bring both post-hardcore and emo into the modern day energised and impactful. If either genre is of interest to you, then this is a must listen.