Gentle Leader XIV – Channels – New Vinyl Lp 2018 Moniker Records Pressing – Chicago, IL Dark Synth-Pop Moniker

Street Date: 4/13/18

Channels is the debut LP from Chicago sultry synthpop band Gentle Leader XIV. At times reminiscent of early4AD projects like This Mortal Coil and Cocteau Twins, Channels goes heavy on atmosphere and emotion. There’s something sensual in Gentle Leader XIV’s sound – seduction begins with the beginning notes of “Two Moon Cry,” and doesn’t let up for the record’s duration. A dark mood is often a playful mood, and such is the case on Channels – pop hooks, synth arpeggios, and choruses abound throughout the LP, making it the perfect record for your next dim-lit gathering.

Gentle Leader XIV pulls on synth heavy, chorus filled 80s heart strings without diving deep into nostalgia, evoking emotional memory over a gray template of realism. It’s pop without future, love without romance, survival with an undercurrent of persistent loss. New Wave, Post Punk, damaged vibes filtered through a pop machine that keeps turning out the hits. Why keep the radio on when the song is in your head? 
Gentle Leader XIV is Maria Jenkins (Hollows), Lisa McDuffie, and Jeffrey Tucholski (Running). Chris McDuffie(The Apples In Stereo) adds synth textures to the album.