The Gated Community – Goodbye Work
Wonderful music continues to cross my desk. Lots of talent. Some lack direction, but this Minneapolis-based Gated Community isn’t one. They have a light touch & a melodic vitality. The bright “Hand In the Air” opens the set (not listed on my CD, it’s out of sequence), sung with folky ebullience. Nothing wild, everything mannered yet tight, tasty & natural. In a pleasant Richard & Mimi Farina-type showcase.
It was once a quality admired in 60’s folk artists (“Walk Right In,” the Rooftop Singers), but through the years, too many became radical, angry & self-serving. This band had originally imbued their showcase with social commentary, which is fine, but it could dilute a presentation like this. Bluegrass & country should be joyous. Folk can dabble. Nothing reaches out with claws. It shouldn’t. An artist can risk alienating a percentage of their audience, which an independent artist shouldn’t gamble with. This collection has contagious vocalizing & it’s an important additive.
There are 11 cerebral pieces decorated with this set produced by the band & John Miller. There are 6 vocalists on Goodbye Work (Drops June 6/Independent/54:34) & the title track is banjo-driven. The group isn’t too folk-corny but is closer to more pre-Dylan, Baez traditional folk artists (New Christy Minstrels, Kingston Trio).
Their contributions shape into lovely melodies, with lyrical edginess in a polite musical spirit. “Took In” is relaxing & intense, probably best appreciated with headphones. The haunting backup is near spiritual. The diversity lies in the tradeoff between vocals. None of the songs are too soaked in whiskey, & that’s a welcome change. They’re approaching their work from melody — not to stir divisiveness. Songs like “Cornelia” are beautifully rendered.
The lyrics aren’t a Hallmark card in nature. Not as angry as the ’60s protest depths (Phil Ochs). They’re just addressing life with a dash of vinegar. There are some pointed references (“What I Hate”), but they aren’t painted with dark colors. The singer even includes “what he hates about himself.” That’s bold. That’s folk music. The playing is skillful, light on the arrangements, but smooth. Nothing is bombastic, showy, or intentionally aggressive.
I don’t agree with everything, but the music is pleasant, well-played & worth listening to with a grain of salt. This CD was released earlier, but gets 2nd breath in 2026. My CD had songs slightly out of sequence. The lead cut “Hand In the Air” isn’t listed as it is on the Bandcamp release.
Highlights – “Hand In the Air,” “Goodbye Work,” “Took In,” “No More Water,” “What I Hate,” “Cornelia,” “Wild Smoke & Worry,” & “Losing My Wages.”
Musicians – Sumanth Gopinath (vocals/guitar/keys), Nate Knutson (lead guitar/mandolin/vocals), Paul Hatlelid (drummer/vocals/acoustic guitar), Cody Johnson (bass/vocals), Rosie Harris (banjo/cello/vocals) & Beth Hartman (vocals/percussion).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website. CD @ Bandcamp & https://thegatedcommunityband.com/