Written by Patrick McNamara

Gates are five guys from New Brunswick, NJ who make muscular emotional music (i think there’s an abbreviated genre term for emotional music like this but can’t recall its name right now) that reaches for the stars. It’s soaring and pretty and shreds. Sometimes it gives me goosebumps too.

This band brings a whole lotta heart to their work. I know this to be true. Gates mean what they say and believe what they play. There’s nothing casually detached here. There’s no wry humor or silly absurdity in their repertoire. These climactic melodies mean serious business, friends. This isn’t about puppy dogs and ice cream. This is about stepping out from the shadows and “seeing the light,” man. And when Gates’ guitars get triumphant and reach their euphoric peak, things really do look a little brighter around here - which is impressive because as of this writing (11:04 am in the Year of the Perdue Wonderchicken) it is yet another cold grey ass day outside and winter hasn’t even started yet. Sigh. So it goes.

I’ve probably listened to Gates’ new (too short = left wanting more = perfect) album “You Are All You Have Left to Fear” about twenty-five times in the last week. And that’s no exaggeration. I’ve told you a million times before that I don’t do that. The album has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise super sucky week for me. I’ll tell you about it sometime. When are you free to discuss my darkness? How’s 7pm tonight? If that doesn’t work, how does any night between now and forever work for you?

Go ahead and stream this album below. Just do it. You will either really like it or realize immediately that this ain’t your thing. And if not, that’s fine You don’t like to feel? No problem! I’m OK. You’re OK. And everyone is still chill. Forever and Ever. Amen.

Gates don't have any scheduled upcoming shows - but save them to your free My Rockness account and as soon as we know the band is playing - you'll know. Cool? Cool.