Gowns combined folk/grunge songwriting with noise-territory production values and radical, digitally-assisted improvisation, with generally eerie and delicate results.
In 2005 they released a limited-edition CDR on Folktale entitled "Dangers of Intimacy" (re-released in 2009 on single-sided 12" vinyl.) Carla Bozulich (Evangelista, Geraldine Fibbers) contributed vocals to one song.
From 2005 to 2006 they composed and produced the full-length album "Red State," released on Cardboard Records to widespread critical acclaim. Corey Fogel contributed percussion to several songs, subsequently joining the band live.
In 2009 they released the limited-edition live album "Broken Bones" on Southern, as part of that label's "Latitudes" series. Jacob Heule played percussion and Daniel Brummel played bass.
As of December 2009, the live lineup of Gowns consists of Erika Anderson, Ezra Buchla, and Corey Fogel (when scheduling permits). Their live sound has evolved in recent years to something generally balanced between their "rocking" and "intimate" previous incarnations, more focused while still incorporating heavy doses of improvisation, enveloping ambient sound, and extreme dynamics. Pitchfork recently described Gowns as "one of the most heart-stoppingly great live bands on planet Earth."
As of February 2010, Gowns are officially broken up. A final release, the 17-minute "Stand and Encounter" was released from their website for free download.
Past and present members:
Erika Anderson (Amps for Christ, myrobobedroom, Some Dark Holler)
: guitar, vocals, production
Ezra Buchla (Mae Shi, Amps for Christ, Evangelista, Monstro, Emily Lacy)
: electronics, vocals, strings, production
Corey Fogel (Cryptacize, Mae Shi, Missincinatti, many others)
: percussion (tour 2006-present, "Red State")
Jacob Heule (Ettrick, Caroliner, many others)
: percussion (tour 2007, "Broken Bones")
Aaron Davis (Acre, Lords of Lightspeed)
: bass, electronics (tour 2007)
Daniel Brummel (Ozma, Bad Dudes, Spain, the Elected, many others)
: bass, vocals (tour 2007, "Broken Bones")
Rope
Gowns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen that light above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that light above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've heard them calling, calling. I've heard them six below.
I've heard them calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling.
I've seen the hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen the sight of angels? and tearing out their wings.
So drown in the life worth living then buy a wedding ring
The weight of a meaningful home looking down that long hallway.
You can see it but what does it say?
The lyrics to Gowns's song "Rope" talk about the singer's experiences of seeing a light and a hole above them and feeling the weight of their life. The repetition of these lines creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The singer also describes hearing something calling from below, which could be interpreted as either a literal or figurative presence. The line "I've seen the sight of angels? and tearing out their wings" is ambiguous, but it suggests the singer has experienced something otherworldly and possibly disturbing.
The following line "So drown in the life worth living then buy a wedding ring" seems to suggest that the singer is grappling with the concept of finding meaning in life while also feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it. The imagery of drowning adds to the sense of being consumed by life's struggles. The final line "You can see it but what does it say?" suggests that despite the weight of life and the ambiguity of one's experiences, there may still be some meaning to be found, though it may not be immediately clear.
Overall, "Rope" is a haunting and introspective song that explores the struggle to find meaning in life and the ambiguity of human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen that light above me baby, and the rope.
I have glimpsed the glimmering hope that still shines above me in my darkest hour, but it is still out of reach due to the rope that binds me.
I've seen that hole above me baby, and the rope.
I am aware of the gaping void that looms above me, but the rope continues to prevent me from ascending towards it.
I've heard them calling, calling. I've heard them six below.
I have heard the voices of those trapped beneath me, calling out for help and struggling to escape their own binds.
I've seen the sight of angels? and tearing out their wings.
I have witnessed the fall of celestial beings, who, in their desperation to escape this realm, ripped off their own wings, for they were no longer needed.
So drown in the life worth living then buy a wedding ring.
Perhaps it is more appropriate to fully embrace the life that exists, rather than to continuously strive to break free. Engaging in the mundanity of life can provide a greater purpose, as exemplified by the ritual of purchasing a wedding ring.
The weight of a meaningful home looking down that long hallway.
The weight of what one's home represents--a sacred space of comfort and safety, imbued with meaningful memories--can at times feel too great to bear as one peers down a seemingly endless corridor.
You can see it but what does it say?
Although the end of the hallway is visible, the destination that awaits remains ambiguous and unknown, begging the question of whether it is a place of salvation or damnation.
Contributed by Muhammad Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.