GABRIEL MANN: Tug Of War

Gabriel Mann

Tug Of War

© 2002 Gabriel Mann (691045924224)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

SPECIAL: 10% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Modern-rock band offering a soulful blend of intelligent lyrics and piano-driven, powerful pop melodies.

tracks

1 Lighted Up
2 In Deep
3 To the Wire
4 Slumber
5 Change
6 We Are We
7 Fire in Your Hand
8 Someone Else For One Day
9 Tug of War
10 Go Up to Go Down

notes

L.A.-based trio Gabriel Mann delivers an epic sound: modern rock music with intensity, intelligence, and depth.

At its heart is lead singer, songwriter, and pianist Gabriel Mann of San Antonio, Texas. Mann studied classical piano from a young age, began writing songs in junior high, and ultimately majored in composition at the University of Pennsylvania. After moving to Los Angeles and performing with various groups, Gabriel formed the band as an outlet for his own music, recruiting bassist Michael Blanchard and drummer Adam Marcello. Their debut album Tug of War features 10 infectious tracks combining lyrics that speak from the heart with hook-laden grooves.

On the surface the songs are simple, yet they resonate with a deeper meaning. Gabriel explains: "'To the Wire' is about a small instance, like going on a date and not knowing how far you can take it... and then expanding that situation into the biggest emotional experience you can imagine. 'Someone Else For One Day' sounds bright and poppy, but has darker undertones."

Lyrically, Mann draws on personal experience, as well as on his observations of those close to him. "Gabe brings us nearly finished songs and the three of us will filter, flesh out and complete them," adds Blanchard.

Mann's power lies in his unique voice and piano style. "I play piano like a percussionist - I pound on it and pour all my energy into those keys," he says. Blanchard's melodic bass-playing is grounded in the groove tradition, and with a college major in voice, he helps create the soaring harmonies that are a band trademark. A graduate of the Berklee College Of Music, Marcello's agility and precision behind the drums is perfectly matched with his musicality and grace.

The band's influences range from Elton John and Peter Gabriel to The Police, Elvis Costello, and Tool: "These artists have struck a chord with each of us, and we carry the spirit of their music as we carve our own musical path," explains Marcello.

With Tug of War released November 4 and distributed at Borders stores across Southern California, the band is ready for the next step. "We have a unique opportunity and a great team around us. We're just grateful for what we have today and we're looking forward to what lies ahead."

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • Gabe Mann delivers an honest performance.
    author: Geoffrey Lind

    Gabe Mann is a man on the rise who will soon become the underground superstar. I'm not a fan of this style of music and yet Mann's soul brings it alive with each song. Purchase his work now to better appreciate the greatness to come.

  • You'll go back for seconds!
    author: Crystal Beers

    This cd has not left my cd player since I received it last week. I expect it will remain heavily in the rotation for some time. From the opening strings of 'Lighted Up' to the closing notes of 'Go up to go down' you can't help but become completely emersed in the brilliant piano-based rock music this LA trio produces. This is the type of music that just taps into your soul and sweeps you away with it. Plus, you just can't help but sing along. Buy this cd. Actually, buy two. My friends have already tried to steal my copy - I expect yours will do the same.

  • they rock

    this cd is awesome...(especially the song slumber) The sound is good and the lyrics are awesome.

  • Excellent album, support unknown band, say you knew them when...
    author: tsmac

    Gabriel Mann's second album is an excellent follow up to a very good debut. A much more polished sound and well crafted songs. Their unique sound and vocals draws listeners in and has them looking for more. Forty-four minutes seems a tad short once you get sucked in, but the album is well worth the investment. If the right people push, Gabriel Mann will be headed to greatness.

  • Take note - these boys are are on their way.
    author: Zach Walker

    Tug Of War, the latest effort from the L.A. trio Gabriel Mann, is a powerful album of crisp and compelling songs. With their evocative soundscaping and powerhouse rock dynamics, Gabriel Mann creates a truly unique listening experience that satisfies the listener's every aural desire. It's all here -- from meticulously crafted ballads of undeniable splendor to full-tilt rockers that smack you in the face and dare you to strike back. My advice: don't. You'll surely lose. Will this album change the world or help bridge the gap between man and goat? Probably not, but it just might make superstars out of three guys from the west side.

  • Outstanding, Remarkable, Genius, Dolby
    author: shawn michael miller

    There are some albums that touch the deepest core of the human spirit. Somewhere beyond that you’ll find Gabriel Mann’s ‘tug of war’. Gabriel Mann has a big, big future ahead. Their music is infectious. It grabs you and wraps you up until you’re soaking in it. This thing's gonna never leave your CD player. You’ll listen to it over and over again. For me it’s become my compass. These spoken-from-the-heart lyrics have become my theme and guidebook for living out daily operations. Combine all this with three talented musicians and you end up with one heck of an album. My advice? Simple. Buy a copy for your home, then buy another for your car. Buy a copy for your boat if ya got one. Then get a bunch for all your friends.

  • charismatic tension and a whole lotta soul butter...rockin
    author: Rachel Roellke

    Gabriel Mann brings it. He brings everything one could want in an album- tangible lyrics, sultry melodies, a mesh of sounds and controlled chaos... with influences from the Police to Peter Gabriel to Elvis Costello, the band expertly fuses together to form a totally original, infectious sound. From the heartfelt slowjams of We Are We (featuring Kat Maslich) and To The Wire, to the introspective rock features of Lighted Up and Change; the band has a locked-up groove and a totally palpable message. Some favorite lyrics include : "stay close and lay your cheek upon my head, cause I am crumbling..." (slumber) "you broke what's unbreakable, took the untakeable, made the unmakeable mind..." (go up to go down) "that it's not what i have done that leaves me immobile, but rather what i haven't..."(change) Tug-of-War leaves little unsaid, little unresolved, little desired- except another Gabriel Mann cd. Repeat listenability is high, and don't be surprised if you find all the songs irreversibly stuck in your head.

email

Please log in to email this artist.