Ark Patrol Dives Deep into the Human Experience on New Album "GEM"
Ark Patrol, the moniker for alternative electronic artist and producer Brandon Gomez, is back with his most inventive and vulnerable project to date: his new album, GEM. This release marks a pivotal moment in his career, not only showcasing his growth as a musician but also as a human being who has faced life's most profound challenges and emerged transformed. Following a rollercoaster of musical exploration and personal experiences—including a battle with cancer—GEM represents a mirror to the human condition, resonating with listeners on an emotional level.
Since his debut album, Voyager, in 2014, Ark Patrol has been on a continuous journey of musical evolution, creating a unique alt-electronic sound that draws fans in. However, the course of his career took a dramatic turn in 2018 when he was diagnosed with cancer. "There's a survival instinct that kicks in when you think you're gonna die or you're not sure what's gonna happen," he explains. This experience of vulnerability, recovery, and newfound purpose deeply influences GEM, resulting in an album that is both a personal reflection and an expansively rousing exploration of time and space.
A Journey Through GEM: Track by Track
GEM opens with "You Know," a soothing and almost meditative introduction that eases listeners into the album’s world. It is characterized by gentle synths and atmospheric beats that set a reflective tone, inviting the audience to embark on this introspective journey. The track serves as a prelude to what lies ahead—both aurally and emotionally.
"Top Of The World" follows, delivering a love song with a twist. Aimed at Ark Patrol’s brother, the track explores the highs and lows of life, particularly the ups and downs related to addiction and recovery. With a dream bounce essence imbued within paired with heartfelt lyrics, listeners experience a celebration of resilience. Ark Patrol samples a candid “fuck you” from a close friend, adding a personal touch and hinting at the raw, unfiltered emotions that permeate the album.
"Oui," featuring long-time collaborator Veronika Redd, builds on their established chemistry from the 2016 viral hit “Let Go.” This track combines Redd's ethereal vocals with Ark Patrol's intricate production to create a lustrous soundscape. The track's mellow vibe and gorgeous instrumentation make it a standout on the album, blending vulnerability with an air of hopeful introspection.
"Origin" is a minimalist instrumental that marks a shift in the album's tone. With its deep basslines and expansive synths, it creates a sense of space and contemplation, evoking the feeling of searching for something just out of reach. It represents the initial stages of self-discovery, setting the stage for what is to come.
Next is "Tomorrow Can Wait," featuring New York-based Shanghainese artist Fifi Zhang. The song is a shimmering, innocent-feeling track with an eccentric beat and Zhang’s delicate vocals. It evokes a sense of childlike wonder while also carrying an undertone of bittersweet nostalgia. The contrast between the playful melody and the underlying emotional weight exemplifies Ark Patrol's ability to merge complexity with accessibility.
"FOLN4U," featuring indie pop and funk-RnB artist SEB, is a scintillating dance-pop banger that shifts the album’s energy. With an absolutely electric beat and tasty rhythm, this track is an instant mood-lifter. Yet, beneath the surface, it continues to explore deeper themes of connection and longing, making it both a dancefloor anthem and a contemplative listening experience. The progression on this particular beauty was nothing short of mint for us and the team.
"La Mina" offers a moment of soul reflection, utilizing layered synths and a gentle piano melody that brings a sense of calm after the high energy of the previous track. The song feels like a moment of clarity, a pause to take in one’s surroundings before diving back into the emotional journey of the album.
"Painting In A Low" features complex soundscapes with deep zesty electronic beats and abstract melodies, creating a sense of tension and release. It captures the feeling of moving through dark and uncertain times, a theme that resonates strongly with Ark Patrol’s experiences.
The album takes another emotional turn with "Relief," a spiraling track featuring Lecx Stacy. The song is haunting and can make the mind wander, capturing the feeling of being lost and searching for a way out. It uses stuttering beats and eerie melodies to create a disorienting effect, simulating the confusion and darkness that can accompany challenging moments in life.
"Say" is another standout track, characterized by its chaotic yet glistening sounds. Ark Patrol describes it as a “genetically engineered sound,” crisp and organic with a bubbly texture. It captures the moments just before a crash—a rapid ascent into chaos that feels both thrilling and perilous, reflecting the tumultuous journey through his cancer diagnosis.
"Too Far" serves as the album's emotional climax. The ambient sounds and carefully constructed beats evoke a sense of post-crash stillness—a moment of reflection after a storm. It's about lying down, depleted of energy, and finding a moment of tragic beauty in that vulnerability. This track wraps up the narrative arc that has been unfolding throughout the album.
"Control" brings the album back to a more structured and rhythmic feel, showcasing Ark Patrol's signature alt-electronic style with a twist. The track explores themes of regaining power over one's life and decisions, echoing the artist’s journey of self-discovery and survival.
Finally, "Estudio" closes the album with a textured, pulsating rhythm that leaves listeners with a sense of completion. The song reflects on the spirit of playfulness that Ark Patrol has embraced through his music-making journey. It feels like a celebration of all the growth, pain, and creativity that have led him to this point.
