GFM's "Framing My Perception" an Instant Hard Rock Classic

Gold Frankincense & Myrrh (Rockfest Records)

The Florida-based sisters Maggie, CJ, and LuLu English have spent the past few years taking the message, while thankfully not the annoying styling, of the 1985 Eurythmics/Aretha Franklin song “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” to heart. As the crushing metal trio Gold Frankincense & Myrrh, now going by GFM, the English sisters have forged a unique path of fusing bruising rhythms and riffs with a lyrical perspective cutting through surface-level angst down to the life-disturbing issues today’s youth face in a world of incessant messaging regarding sexuality and lack of self-worth. After several excellent independent releases, GFM have just released their first major-label effort, a six-song EP for the Rockfest label. Framing My Perception is a winner.

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While all three members of the band are Christians and make no effort whatsoever to hide their faith in an attempt to gain a larger audience, GFM’s lyrics are far more intent on using their beliefs as a foundation upon which to observe what they see in the Light rather than incessant discussion of the Light Himself. A strong example is the new EP’s title track.

Perception is just the sleight of hand
Don’t be afraid, be afraid
To take a chance
Take my hand, today is a new day
Don’t be afraid, be afraid

Are you ready, are you ready, ready to accept it all
Even when the hardships come, will you still stand tall
Opening your eyes to a life worth living for
This time you won’t give in, so let the rain pour

Here we stand, moving forward
Not slowing down, cause the days are getting shorter
Take my hand, today is a new day
Don’t be afraid, be afraid

It’s difficult to pick a highlight as all six tracks are superb. “Honest Abe” furiously thrashes as the band muses over whether it will take divine intervention to heal this land’s divides. “The Enemy” is the closest thing to a ballad; a mid-tempo rocker managing the neat trick of being a simultaneous melodic breather and menacing slugfest. “Why So Toxic” is a speedy singalong-inducing romp. The closing track “Disturb The Silence” does just that, as drummer LuLu English pounds away with intricately controlled fury. Meanwhile, bassist/vocalist Maggie English and guitarist/vocalist CJ English simultaneously lay it down heavy while pouring themselves into the music and message with more than sufficient passion for ripping out your heart.

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The EP’s heavy-handed production of synthesizer washes and electronic rhythmic insertions could quickly suffocate a less muscular band. Not GFM, who throughout Framing My Perception keep matters focused. The band is a melodic sledgehammer. While there are trace elements of Paramore-like emo and Slipknot minus the costumed silliness, GFM has forged their own identity far surpassing any notion of being a novelty. This is legitimate, searing music delivered with purpose. GFM is not for everyone, but for those with heavy music-embracing ears to hear Framing My Perception is a welcome treat.

The CD is available at the band’s website along with the usual online retailers, and is available for streaming at all major services.

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