Gilla Band tackles speech poverty and schizophrenia on ‘Alogia’
In a landscape often preoccupied with the noise of modern life, the band Gilla Band is carving out a space for the deeply personal, delivering music that is as abrasive as it is honest. Their latest single, ‘Alogia’, is not merely a collection of sharp sounds; it is a raw, visceral confrontation with the complexities of mental health and the profound difficulty of articulation.
‘Alogia’ dives into the challenging territory of the poverty of speech linked to mental health conditions, specifically touching upon the experience of schizophrenia. Complemented by Kiely’s intensely tortured vocals, the track takes listeners on a harrowing journey, moving from a state of hopeful fantasy about a life with steady structure, routine, and purpose into a brutal breakdown. The repetitive cries of ‘Alogia!’ serve as a stark, desperate cry for recognition.
Frontman Dara Kiely opened up about the source of this deeply personal work, explaining that the title reflects the experience of navigating mental illness. “Alogia means poverty of speech linked to mental health conditions I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia while writing the lyrics. I thought I could just walk off the old mental illness but alas!” Kiely shared, revealing how this internal struggle fuels the very sound of the band.
This raw emotional core is part of a broader artistic trajectory. The band recently released ‘Giraffe’ and ‘Placeholder’, setting an abrasive tone that signals their commitment to uncompromising expression. They are now gearing up for their upcoming album, ‘Pugnello’, which is set to be released on September 25th via Rough Trade Records, promising an even deeper exploration of their themes.
The music is not just confined to the studio; it is ready for a global stage. Gilla Band is embarking on a demanding tour schedule in October, kicking off in North America and traversing the continent. The journey involves stops across major hubs, from Philadelphia and Brooklyn to Montreal, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, before hitting the US West Coast and concluding in Vancouver.
The tour then pivots to Europe, where the band will play Paris and various major cities, including Brussels, Berlin, Vienna, and London, before finally concluding in Glasgow. This extensive itinerary demonstrates a relentless commitment to sharing their unique, challenging sound with audiences worldwide.
Beyond the main band, the creative energy extends to the project of guitarist Alan Duggan Borges, who has launched ‘The Null Club’. This new project features collaborations with established artists, including members of The Horrors and Mandy, Indiana, adding another layer of experimental noise and intensity to the artistic output.
The impact of Gilla Band lies in their willingness to transform personal anguish into powerful, public art. Through tracks like ‘Alogia’, they challenge societal norms and invite listeners to engage with the often-unspoken realities of mental health, proving that vulnerability can be the most compelling sound of all.
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