New South Wales duo, Dylan Norris and Emma Jene, better known as Love & Able, have released the first single from their forthcoming album. “Be Gentle With My Mind,” is one of those all-encompassing titles that says everything, yet makes the song even more intriguing. Emma Jene comes from a Country Music background, while Norris’s roots are more Rock oriented. Opposites attract, and Norris and Jene have developed a relationship both personally and professionally. Their unique blend of styles find a successful middle ground on the powerful, “Be Gentle With My Mind.”
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Written as something of a counter to gas lighting, and negative self-image, “Be Gentle With My Mind,” is right on the verge of being anthemic. It’s got something of a 90s feel, musically, and that is of course due to Norris’s influence. The track is punchy and dramatic, and certainly creates greater anticipation for the duo’s upcoming album. The combination of Norris’s songwriting and Jene’s incredible vocal power is something that is likely to shine on more than just one offering. In fact, Norris seems to push Jene even further as a Singer, and the heights that she is capable of reaching would put her in elite company.
With Emma Jene’s background in both musical theater, and Country, the way her vocals adapt to distorted guitar is peculiar. The marriage between her and Norris is one that instantly resonates with most audiences. Because of the style of “Be Gentle With My Mind,” most are going to assume that Jene has been a Rock Singer, her entire life. It might be something of a glorious mischaracterization, then, that Emma is stepping into rather uncharted territory for her. The blending of elements gives this track a heightened sense of urgency in a way.
The mix on “Be Gentle With Mind” is gritty and slightly unkempt. Not to overstate a point, but this sound makes the vocal stand out even more. Clean vocals paired with Rock Music is typically going to lean into certain stereotypes, but truth be told, those need to shattered. Much like Pop and Hip Hop have done, this type of crossover is something that can salvage and potentially reignite the flame of guitar-driven music. As it stands, the electric guitar has become something of an alienating element for many.
Love & Able have crafted an excellent work with “Be Gentle With My Mind.” It’s fierce, it’s vulnerable, and it’s heavy. We get the best of several worlds, and Norris and Jene absolutely lose themselves in their respective performances. You could compare it to the initial excitement of hearing, Evanescence; a strong female vocal, with a brutish Alternative backdrop. While, “Be Gentle With My Mind” is primarily geared towards an adult audience, the subject matter is something that anyone can relate to. This single is strong enough to not only gain new fans for the duo, but also to entice you to seek out more of their work. I know I certainly will be.
Heather Savage
