Words by Sam Elliott.

The first time I was lucky enough to catch Gabriel Paris in all his talent was alongside his equally phenomenal partner and fellow musician Sammi Constantine, during her headline show at the Lansdowne at the end of last year. Sparking curiosity after seeing him in action playing a multitude of instruments and joining Sammi with his killer vocals in their shared song, Roses, I wanted to check out the music Gabriel created. 

So, I searched him up and needless to say, I became an instant fan. In late February, Gabriel released The B - Sides, a release with two songs - If You Know and Can’t Decide. I like how they were released after Valentine's Day. Being a single lady, I’ll admit it was a bit nice to have a bit of a moody set of songs to sit and lament on. This time of the year brings out lots of thoughts and silly ideas for me like “Should I send the ‘you up’ text to that stupid boy?”. It was almost as if this dynamic song duo whipped me back into place. I enjoyed a more thoughtful ponder with these tracks.  

If You Know

To me, this song evokes a past relationship of sorts. “You know that I still think about you.” I feel like we all have that niggling person that seems to cross our minds once in a while, that kind of whirlwind type of connection. This song encapsulates this perfectly. Although the lyrics provide a sense of longing, I can't help but feel like there is an air of positivity there. 

Maybe there is lightness in moving on from this relationship or time, maybe there is hope something might rekindle or maybe I am looking too far into it! Assumptions aside, it is a great song. 

Can’t Decide

The repetition of the opening verse as the bridge and then again at the very end of the song is powerful. It once again kind of leans onto this unrequited love to me. 

The mix of the electric guitar and the violin is not one I would have picked to work so synonymously but one I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Gabriel really encapsulates the feeling of longing and the passion and wonder in these experiences. I feel like this song could sit against a romance film as the rain poured and our main couples are about to realise how much they need each other (do I watch too many rom-coms?).

Now - I could be all in my feelings here. I encourage you to give the songs a listen for yourself and tell me what you think! Am I, dear reader,  being a sappy lady or are you joining me in the thoughtfulness of these tracks?
If you loved the set of songs like I did and you are based in Gadigal/Sydney I would implore you to watch Gabriel Paris on his debut headline show on the 23rd of March on the Factory Floor in Marrickville!