Friday, July 2, 2021

"Spirit & Decline" by Gem Club

Wow, I am so glad to hear some new music from Gem Club, the nom de musique of Christopher Barnes (previously here). This new track "Spirit & Decline" is just tremblingly, agonizingly beautiful. Although the song has apparently been around for a little while, he just officially released it earlier this year and I am really hoping this means a new full release is on the horizon.


hushed among the bells
the arrow struck your shoulder
forced to the ground
with the shredded pulp
of red apples

and you're near
your hands are touching hands
and you're near
the violence swells with its song
i am starting to lose focus
the distance in decline
while i'm watching your spirit

rise

watched for the point
when you'd wake from it
with the sun against your back



http://iamgemclub.com/

2 comments:

Drena G said...

I just discovered this song. What do you think it means?

Jeff said...

Hi Drena,

Thanks for visiting and for your question. The art work for the single depicts an image of Saint Sebastian, and I think the lyrics support the idea that the song is a haunting, stylized, and brief exploration of this Catholic saint who was tied to a tree and shot with arrows.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sebastian

Best,
JEF