The year was 1991 and mainstream rock music had just received one of it's biggest shocks of energy in about a decade with the release of Nirvana's Nevermind. That album proved to be a defining moment in the genre, but in retrospect it was kind of one dimensional, and some may even say a bit over-produced. However, following in their footsteps by only a few months, and also produced by Nevermind mastermind Butch Vig, Gish put a slightly different spin on the grunge genre.
In my opinion, Smashing Pumpkins represent the nerdier side of grunge music, but where the word nerd brings to mind thick-rimmed glasses and lots of D&D figurines, SP were more nerds for guitar solos, nimble bass lines, and fluid drum rhythms. Gish is a strong debut from an act that would continue to release some of the most noteworthy LPs of the 90s. To me though, Gish is still a personal favorite, with its killer trio of opening songs and deep cuts that revel in lots of atmosphere and as I mentioned above, intricate playing from each member of the group.
Tracks like "I Am One" "Siva" and "Tristessa" are early signs that these guys knew how to write killer rock tunes that were equal parts aggression and atmosphere. It's also hard to deny the slower moments like the ever popular "Rhinoceros" or the closer "Daydream", which again point to future tunes that would go on to define the band.
The album moves from one one great song to another without so much as a stutter, and it also keeps up an alluringly downcast and dark mood throughout. In a way, this album is goth music without a deep-voiced crooner, or a metal album without the masculine peacocking.
While it may seem like I'm only focusing on the future releases that the band would put out, it's only because I think this LP has all of those elements, but in a focused attack, rather than a sprawling double album. Gish is a quick, concise LP that rarely loses itself, though the middle section does slow down considerably. I simply love this album, and think it is the most well rounded SP album, in my honest opinion.
9.2/10
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