"Are People Dying to Live?"

Gable Price and Friends, a band known for their unique blend of alternative rock with thought-provoking lyrics, hails from Redding, California. Formed in 2018, the group is led by frontman Gable Price, who brings an earnest and creative approach to songwriting. With their latest release, Jungle in the City, the band delivers a compact yet impactful EP, exploring themes of ambition, nostalgia, faith, and self-discovery through seven engaging tracks. 

Here’s a track-by-track breakdown:

This track explores childlike wonder and the escapism we often crave in adulthood. Its whimsical tone contrasts with deeper reflections on the constraints of routine, making it both light-hearted and introspective. A music video for this song further emphasizes its playful and nostalgic qualities. 

The song emphasizes boldness and authenticity, encouraging listeners to approach life with courage and conviction. Musically, it blends driving rhythms with introspective lyricism, making it an anthem of self-expression and resilience. The band’s ability to fuse energetic alt-rock with meaningful themes is evident here, creating a song that feels empowering and deeply reflective. 

Explores the tension between the extraordinary and the everyday, weaving a narrative about finding meaning and connection amid life's ups and downs. The song balances introspection and hope, delving into themes of faith, doubt, and the search for clarity. With evocative imagery like "county lines and one-way streets," the lyrics suggest the emotional journey of wandering between moments of inspiration and ordinary struggles. 

The title track sets the tone with its vivid imagery and its ability to reflect the chaos and allure of urban life. It's a powerful metaphor for navigating a fast-paced world while trying to maintain authenticity and purpose. Musically, the track balances gritty, pulsating rhythms with soaring melodies, perfectly complementing its introspective yet optimistic tone 

The track embodies a sense of reverence for the ordinary moments of life, focusing on how even the simplest joys can become transformative when viewed through a lens of gratitude. Musically, it’s dynamic, with soaring vocals and a driving instrumental backdrop that complements its reflective mood. Gable Price's vocal delivery feels raw and honest, reinforcing the band’s reputation for emotionally charged and meaningful songwriting. Its lyrics and tone highlight the beauty of light, not just literally but metaphorically, symbolizing hope, inspiration, and love. 

The song's theme revolves around navigating moments when divine guidance feels distant or "closed off," reflecting struggles in faith and the human condition. Musically, it blends anthemic alternative rock with raw, emotional vocals that add depth to its reflective lyrics. The song's production highlights the band's knack for blending soulful introspection with powerful instrumentation, creating a sound that is both intimate and resonant. It stands out as a deeply personal and spiritual track, resonating with listeners who grapple with feelings of doubt or searching for meaning in their faith journey. 

Closing the EP, "Deeply Human" is a standout track in its ability to resonate on both a personal and universal level, encouraging listeners to embrace the contradictions of joy and pain that define the human condition. Gable Price’s vocal delivery is particularly poignant, imbuing the track with a sense of sincerity that amplifies its emotional impact. Musically, the song features lush instrumentation and a driving rhythm, which mirrors the depth and intensity of its lyrical themes. 

Jungle in the City highlights Gable Price and Friends' growth as artists, blending lyrical depth with a dynamic sound. The EP is both accessible and profound, offering something for fans of introspective rock and those seeking fresh, relatable narratives in music.  

Gable Price and Friends’ trend of blending spiritual and secular themes, crafting music that appeals to a wide audience. It is part of their broader exploration of what it means to live authentically in the face of challenges, a recurring theme in their discography. The band’s ability to articulate such profound ideas within a rock framework makes Jungle In the City both a thought-provoking and uplifting listen. 

Review By Jillian Simpson                                                                                                                              September 18, 2024