The Florida trio’s music sits within an anthemic, post-hardcore soundscape with vocals that hold an ethereal power reminiscent of Lynn Gunn and Heather Baron-Gracie. With the release of their EP, In Windows, Through Mirrors, they are fast establishing themselves as ones to watch.
By Caitlin Chatterton
GILT, from left to right:
Tilley Komorny (she/her), Ash Stixx (they/she/he), Tyler Fieldhouse (they/them)
Their EP may only contain three songs, but as the opening chords break over you it’s clear that GILT are wasting no time in showing exactly who they are. The introductory (and partly titular) track, ‘In Windows (Ignore What’s Missing)’, was released with its music video on October 22nd - a song about “misplaced priorities, pride, and standing in your own way.” Ash Stixx’s voice is immediately front and centre, complimented by Hansel Romero’s production and Stixx's own volcanic drums.
Up next is ‘Long Time Coming’, which switches gear for a relatively stripped-back introduction. It doesn’t take long for the drums to pick back up, though, hitting a characteristic high as Ash lets loose once again.
Circling back to its title, the EP ends on ‘Through Mirrors (I Didn’t Want You As A Mirror)’. “Sometimes it gets depressing / how almost your entire skillset is investments your parents made / almost twenty years before they knew who you’d wanna be,” Ash laments, an example of their existential lyricism. Emotion then spills over as the track spirals, crashing to an end with an intensity that threatens to overwhelm.
GILT aren’t afraid to tackle complex issues in their music, including gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and issues with mental health. That commitment to community empowerment is manifest in their annual fundraiser, SnipFest; created in 2018, it raises money for the medical expenses of trans youth, and during the pandemic the band put on a livestream fundraiser for the cause.
Despite the brevity of this release, it’s still full to bursting with energy, range, and character. In just over ten minutes, GILT have managed to leave you with absolutely no doubt about what they are capable of, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.