09/18/2026
Thud by Kevin Gilbert - This is one of the oldest and most enduring influences on me as an engineer. Outstanding, heartfelt songwriting aside, the mixes on this album are full, rich and subtle in a way that can be a bit intimidating to reckon with. The guitars are crisp and airy, the low end is massive and somehow understated, and every song on the album has some sneaky sonic detail that goes unnoticed at first but on reflection are essential to setting the mood.
Thematically, the album is a moody affair that tackles everything from jungian philosophy, nuclear war, grief, jealousy, su***de and it's impact on those left behind. The album cover sums it all up in a single image.
Stylistically it's the sort of eclectic melange of various genre elements that you'd expect from an album that came out in March of 1995. There's funky basslines, breakbeat drums, delicate keyboard strings, close vocal harmony, screaming electric guitars, jangly acoustic strumming - there's even gregorian chants and a pervasive prog rock vibe ever-floating just below the surface.
I wish Kevin was alive for me to pester him about his workflow, approach to recording, but sadly Kevin's run came to an end in May 1996, hardly a year after Thud's brilliance went largely ignored by a music going public that should have been starved for something this sincere, interesting and well-executed.
Rest in peace Kev.
- Morgan
Kevin Gilbert Kevin Gilbert Official
