Gilt - Shooting Up the Ladder of Change
In August of 2020, N. Florida’s emo/post-hardcore rockers, Gilt, released their debut, Ignore What’s Missing, on Knife Punch Records. Despite releasing in the middle of a pandemic, the future was looking bright. But like it so often does, the future brought change, and in the case of Gilt, the change has been significant. Jump to present and some of this change is on full display with the new EP In Windows, Through Mirrors. In an attempt to better understand all that has transpired in the last year, I sat down with guitarist and founding member Tyler Fieldhouse. I learned a lot, some of which I attempt to share with you now.
Gilt has been an ambitious DIY band since launching in 2017. With feats such as successfully touring the country, and opening for the likes of War On Women and Against Me!, Gilt has always worked hard at climbing the mountain. Tyler describes it as they are “always shooting up,” while I would counter they have consistently stepped up the ladder. Despite their hard work ethic, releasing a debut while not being able to tour meant the internet was now more important than ever. The band was looking into promotion, finding a label, etc. To navigate all this, the band knew they needed help. Help came in the person of artist manager Maja Liv Groves of Queers to the Front. This was the first of several changes.
If you happened to catch the stream of Gilt’s Snipfest set then what comes next will be of no surprise, but for those that did not there is something quite different in the band’s sound. No longer is Tyler singing lead, but instead Ash Stixx, formerly Gilt’s drummer, is now on the mic.
A big change like this, just months after releasing their debut, is not a decision made lightly, and from talking with Tyler this is very true for the members of Gilt. They even broached the idea of a name change but decided against it. Gilt may sound different, but they are the same band. Still, such a move meant a rebranding of sorts.
To continue the “rebrand,” Gilt decided to release their recent EP, which is comprised of a renewed take on two tracks from the debut and one new song. With In Windows, Through Mirrors, Gilt offers a more lush soundscape in what is a ballad-heavy outing. While part of this is due to the production of Hansel Romero, which was then mixed by Matt Goings, it is Ash’s voice that most stands out. Not only is the new song, “Long Time Coming,” a powerful beauty, but the new takes on “In Windows (Ignore What’s Missing)” and “In Mirrors (I Didn’t Want You As A Mirror)” makes it clear that Gilt is once again climbing to new heights thanks in part to Ash’s vocal range that Tyler quickly admits he was not capable of. I recommend everyone immediately listen to the EP. If you were not a fan already, you will be.
So what is next for Gilt? More changes are on the horizon for the 3 piece, now consisting of Ash, Tyler, and Tilley, but first, they will end the year with a tour in support of the EP. Then, 2022 will be more touring and a 5-song EP in the spring, of all-new material which Tyler describes as possibly their heaviest release. I, for one, am very excited and will be keeping a close eye on what Gilt is doing. You should too!