Nostalgia is comforting up to a point. But when it promotes stagnation, you can be caught between an idealized past and an uncertain future. Such is the premise of “Paradise,” the new single from San Gabriel, an Austin synth-pop project whose keyboard textures, washed-out guitars and indelible pop melodies hint at the ’80s without feeling fully glued to that decade.
James Bookert originally envisioned San Gabriel as little more than a side pursuit as he juggled his job at an Austin liquor store with stretches of touring as the banjo player for Whiskey Shivers. Since then, San Gabriel has signed with Share It Music, attracted the attention of Sub Pop’s publishing division and landed song placements in Love Island USA and Wayfinders.
“Paradise” is the latest focus track from the upcoming Adult Onset Goth EP. “It’s about avoiding the complicated feelings that come with growing up,” says Bookert of the song. “It’s about avoidance and the fear of growth … feeling stuck in life.”
Amid all the emotional paralysis, “Paradise” offers this takeaway: The past can look inviting from a distance, particularly when the future is unknown. But staying put has its own set of consequences.
We’re proud to premiere San Gabriel’s “Paradise.” Adult Onset Goth is out September 18. In keeping with Share It Music’s charitable mission, a portion of proceeds from the EP will benefit the Health Alliance For Austin Musicians, a nonprofit that works to provide access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s working musicians.
—Hobart Rowland
