The Earthly Frames, the long-running project of Maryland musician Gabriel Walsh, has entered a striking new era with the arrival of Vanity Pressing. Recently released, the record continues his ambitious Rainbow Table series, this time exploring the violet spectrum. It’s a chapter that leans more confidently into pop than ever before, while still carrying the experimental textures that define his work. This acts as the follow-up to their previously released single, “Birthday Effect”.
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For nearly three decades, Walsh has been steadily crafting a reputation for intricate, genre-defying music that marries retro touches with futuristic soundscapes. “Vanity Pressing” continues this approach but leans more directly into pop sensibilities than any of his earlier work, offering hypnotic hooks while retaining the experimental layers that longtime listeners have come to expect.
Thematically, the record delves into questions of selfhood and perception, exploring the fine line between self-doubt and self-importance. These ideas are woven through lush, detailed production that combines electronic textures with live instrumentation. The project also benefits from several featured collaborators, including vocalists Shirley Kudirka, Aloysius Fortune, Katherine Koherence, and Busayo Oninla, with Graham Hopkins once again joining on drums. The album was mastered by Timothy Stollenwerk, who adds a polished depth to its already rich sound.
Ahead of the full release, fans were given a glimpse into the world of “Vanity Pressing” through two singles. “Gallows Girls”, featuring Busayo Oninla, arrived first, capturing Walsh’s knack for crafting retro-futuristic pop that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Shortly after, “Birthday Effect” showcased Shirley Kudirka’s ethereal vocals, layered over dense yet airy production that hinted at the record’s balance of accessibility and complexity. Together, these songs set the stage for an album that pushes Walsh’s artistry into exciting new territory.
The album opens with “Thought Rays”, where commanding drums set the tone from the very first beat, joined by rhythmic layers and airy, ethereal vocals by Shirley Kudirka. Midway through, the energy pivots as an electric guitar steps forward, reshaping the track while still holding onto its steady rhythm—showcasing Walsh’s ability to evolve a song without losing its pulse. That momentum leads into “Read Rile…Y”, which slows things down but keeps the guitar at the forefront, now paired with subtle drumming to create a reflective pop-rock ballad. Rich male vocals, by Aloysius Fortune, bring added weight and sincerity, carrying lyrics that grapple with self-awareness and the complexities of creative expression.
The third track, “Iiviiiiξ”, takes the record into more experimental territory, blending its alternative pop core with touches of jazz and folk to create an irresistibly eclectic energy. Katherine Koherence delivers flickers of falsetto and short, heartfelt runs that weave seamlessly into the rhythm, giving added weight to lyrics about doubt, struggle, and personal challenges. The mood then shifts with “Blood Sugar”, which begins in a meditative, almost trance-like state before surging forward with hard-hitting drums. Ethereal male vocals, by Busayo Oninla, float above the beat, carrying poetic lyrics that add layers of emotion and connection. Like “Iiviiiiξ”, it shines through its lyrical depth, inviting listeners to sink into both the words and the atmosphere.
“Incompetence” is the fifth track from the album and gives centre stage to commanding drums and sweeping strings, anchored by Katherine Koherence’s powerful and expressive vocals. Shifting through peaks and valleys, the song carries a hypnotic energy that blends jazz influences with electronic textures, before closing on a soaring trance-jazz instrumental that feels both symphonic and masterfully executed. The momentum continues with “Beautiful Tyrant”, where The Earthly Frames expand their experimental pop sound into richer, more dramatic territory. Aloysius Fortune’s soulful delivery shines against a symphonic backdrop, with lyrics that explore disillusionment, isolation, and surrender through striking imagery and metaphor.
Track number seven, “Gallows Girls”, leans into a contemporary pop-rock sound, making it an obvious choice for the album’s first single. Infectiously catchy from start to finish, it layers Busayo Oninla’s confident vocals over a driving drum beat, brightened by electronic textures and subtle guitar chords. Lyrically, the song champions self-assurance and rejecting societal expectations, giving its upbeat energy real substance. As it closes, the guitar cuts off to leave a serene mix of strings and percussion, bringing the song to a striking and memorable finish.
Next up is “Birthday Effect”, with Shirley Kudirka returning on vocals, her airy delivery floating over a soundscape that blends electronic and folk influences. The Earthly Frames lean into their experimental side here, weaving hypnotic melodies with intricate production. Lyrically, the song reflects on the passage of time and the weight of ageing, turning birthdays into a meditation on memory and change. The mood then shifts with “Recoup De Ville”, where upbeat drums drive the rhythm beneath Katherine Koherence’s graceful vocals. More contemporary in style than much of the album, the song explores personal struggles and introspection, its poetic lyrics touching on attachment, self-perception, and unfulfilled potential.
“Warren” follows with a progressive instrumental introduction before Aloysius Fortune delivers vocals that are both airy and soulful. The track unfolds like an ethereal ballad, blending soulful tones with experimental electronics. Its lyrics dwell on loneliness and feelings of being lost, alone, and trapped, which resonate through the shifting beats and textures. Next comes “Ill ☆’d”, which raises the stakes with punchy guitar chords and driving drums. Busayo Oninla shows his versatility here, adapting his delivery to match the rockier edge of the arrangement. Singing of misfortune, cruel fate, and the absence of escape, his performance adds grit and urgency, while the track’s heavier instrumentation underscores the sense of inevitability and despair.
The final track, “Series Circuit”, circles back to the electro-pop sound that has become The Earthly Frames’ defining signature. Shirley Kudirka delivers a folk-tinged vocal, her airy runs weaving gracefully through an addictive backing track. The poetic lyrics trace a descent downward until hitting bottom—only to emerge shining. Carrying a spirit of self-empowerment, the track closes the album on a resonant, triumphant note, bringing this experimental electronic-pop journey to a fitting conclusion.
With “Vanity Pressing”, Gabriel Walsh continues to expand the ambitious vision of The Rainbow Table. Following 2022’s indigo-themed “Infranyms”, this violet chapter stands out as a bold evolution—bridging avant-garde exploration with undeniable pop appeal. It not only furthers the conceptual arc of the series but also positions The Earthly Frames as an artist unafraid of reinvention while staying rooted in their distinct sound.
Whether you’ve been following The Earthly Frames since the mid-1990s or you’re just discovering their music now, “Vanity Pressing” offers a captivating entry point. It’s an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, blending meticulous craftsmanship with a willingness to take risks.
“Vanity Pressing”, by The Earthly Frames, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms.
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