I’ve had the pleasure to write about Gibrish going back 12 years now and honestly each time the band seemed to get better and be even more innovative than the last! Like a fine wine, Gibrish has aged extremely well as musicians and the group has evolved over time. I would like to refer to this as the Gibrification process and it has been a beautiful thing to witness firsthand over this past decade.
Fast forward and Gibrish has just released its 7th album ‘Walk with Bob Dylan’ and I’m here to tell you that this may be some of their finest work to date! The record was just released on May 05 and is already receiving rave reviews! The king of lyrics himself, Bob Dylan, always had a knack for creating excellent songs and now Gibrish puts their storytelling skills to the test. With highly creative and original versions of some of Dylan’s classics, Gibrish has really found its stride as a musical unit always willing to takes chances and have fun. The band puts its special Gibrish touch on ‘Walk with Bob Dylan’ and in my humble opinion, it’s a recipe for success!
Based in Sundvall, Sweden, the Gibrish dares to be bold at all times and this new release is no different. The current lineup includes Christer Suneson on vocals & guitar, Klas Ullerstam on keyboards, Johan Selin on bass & vocals, Thomas Östensson on guitars & vocals and Erik Barthold on drums & percussion. ‘Walk with Bob Dylan’ pays homage to a true songsmith and one of the best lyricists of all time while also solidifying Gibrish as true singer/songwriters in their own right.
The album features 13 golden recordings and eight live cuts making for a nice combination of depth, substance and energy. We kick things off with “The Times They Are A-Changing” that offers up a mellow vibe to go along with real, direct lyrics. Next on “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”, Gibrish delivers a soft touch that is both heartfelt and gritty. It’s time to shout out to the heavens and call out to the “Masters of War” where Gibrish gives you straight shooting and no BS. Track four, “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”, includes a lively beat and fine playing where you will just want to jam out to the wild sounds of Gibrish. On the following number, “Ballad of a Thin Man”, the listener will receive a very appealing song and one worth pondering over. “Ring Them Bells” in the key of Gibrish now where a distinct melody makes for one catchy tune. Next, we hear a telling tale about “Blind Willie McTell” where this one-of-a-kind character comes to life through excellent storytelling. Brace yourselves for a mysterious presence overall that is both haunting and gripping on “Man In the Black Coat”. Next, “Everything is Broken”, but Gibrish is standing tall and playing like seasoned champs. On “Meet Me in the Morning”, fun-filled notes fill the airwaves making this song a feel-good jam for the ages. Track 11, “Make You Feel My Love”, is an emotional and lovely number that has got plenty of heart & soul. The following installment, “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”, speaks volumes lyrically to go along with a wonderful arrangement and a strong, touching performance. Track 13, “Not Dark Yet”, has major impact on the listener with its solid material and tenderness. Come one, come all because it’s now time to get down with Gibrish on “Pledging My Time”-Live. This is a highly spirited set with Gibrish in the zone and feeling the groove on “Pledging My Time”. Track 15, “One More Cup of Coffee”-Live, a smooth & bold taste ‘n’ texture hits you with the perfect blend of elements for your musical palette. “Ballad of a Thin Man”-Live comes to life right before your very ears with an incredible performance by Gibrish. It’s time to soak it all in on “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”-Live where the audience will get drenched with sweet & soulful notes mixed in with a lil Gibrish attitude for good measure. On “Everything is Broken”-Live, the band is really feelin’ it here as the vibe is just rock solid and sly as a Gibrified fox! Track 19, “Gotta Serve Somebody”-Live, the listener will be listening closely to an important message about life as Gibrish takes us to higher ground. Gibrish is bringin’ it on home in style on “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue”-Live making for one enjoyable listen. Last but not least, we hear “All Along The Watchtower”-Live and what a cool version here and always in pure Gibrish fashion!
Gibrish has over 20 gigs booked for 2026 and is currently touring promoting the new album. The band has toured the US, England, Denmark and Sweden and I’m sure an unforgettable experience to witness live. I have always respected the fact that Gibrish is wildly original and doesn’t follow conventional standards. The band keeps that Gibrish style intact on the new album while also honoring the integrity of the original recordings. The end result works and Gibrish has nailed it on ‘Walk With Bob Dylan’! The energy is there and magic is made as Gibrish has done it again! Let’s ALL get GIBRIFIED!
https://epk.recordunion.com/gibrish
https://open.spotify.com/album/0v4ABJ4n5jVgvltURGJaM9
https://www.facebook.com/gibrish2
https://www.instagram.com/gibrishmusic/
By Jimmy Rae