“Opium” by GasolineThe Band (Or ‘Who the fuck are Gasoline? (or Petrol for you Euros)’ Gasoline is an alternative rock band, hailing from Fairfield, CT, USA. The band was formed in 2009 by Rachel Croft (Vocals) and Jimmy Doran (Guitar & Backing Vocals), then involved in a romantic relationship, Billy Finnegan (Bass), Stanley Edwards (Guitar) and Chris McPherson (Drums & Percussion). The band has enjoyed moderate success in the local music scene with their sarcastic opinionated and usually controversial lyrics, but it was not until now that they have achieved national projection, with the announced release of their upcoming debut EP “Opium”, which will be released on the internet on December 25th. Gasoline’s main musical influence is the American band Cake, which is, itself a melting pot of influences, therefore, while usually described as an alternative rock band, it is hard to correctly label the band, which borrows a little from at least half a dozen musical genres.
The “Opium” EP
The idea behind the eponymous title track is that religion is like a drug, the opium of the people. The contrast between the aggressive, borderline angry lyrics and Rachel’s feminine and sweet voice turn this composition in a masterpiece, conducted by the gentle yet expressive tune. The song was recorded in a church hall, which is responsible for the abundantly rich tones that give the song just a touch of the experimental genre. The second track, titled “Beer and Champagne”, however, is a bit of a let down, as it doesn’t have the same boldness present in “Opium”, apparently having been made to appeal to a different crowd altogether. The last song of the EP is a cover of “Guitar Man”, originally sung by Bread in the album of the same name. The three songs together, while apparently not fitting completely with each other, are meant to show three different facets of the same band, with “Opium” showing the passionate, opinionated and experimental side, “Guitar Man” showing a more light hearted and suave side and “Beer and Champagne”, which, come to think of it, is quite appropriately named, bridges the gap between the two.
Tracks
1. Opium (04:23)
2. Beer and Champagne (4:12)
3. Guitar Man (Bread Cover) (3:40)
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