Gabriel Greenwood ignited a powerful spark of retro-soul in his latest single, High School Reunion. The bluesy serenade tugs at the roots of Americana as hard as it pulls on the heartstrings.
While the smooth, honeyed instrumental arrangement sets a warm backdrop, Greenwood’s magnetic timbre quickly claims the spotlight. His lyrical reflections intensify into a near-gospel outpouring when the organs supplant the slide guitars, bathing the production in an arcane glow and revealing Greenwood as a timeless conduit of soul.
As the track unfolds, a bright crescendo of brass supplies a climactic rush that proves unforgettable. It’s a testament to Greenwood’s knack for amalgamating elements of neo-soul, funk, indie pop, and classic singer-songwriter traditions, echoing the emotive pedigree of legends such as Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. Simultaneously, there’s a fresh introspective quality reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and James Blake.
Though he hails from New Jersey, Greenwood spends much of the year cruising the globe as a ship musician. That wanderlust seeps into his songwriting, spurring a distinct balance of nostalgic depth and inventive flair.
High School Reunion will be available to stream on all major platforms from January 11th. Find your preferred way to listen and connect with Gabriel Greenwood via their official website.
Review by Amelia Vandergast