Greetings to our cherished readers and music fans. Today we share the work of UK artist David Gates. On 23rd September, this artist released an 11-song album called “Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace”. The album was made by Gates to make people aware of issues like autism, how the world wasn’t meant for humans, which is why everyone is constantly ill, and the pervasive and intimate role AI plays in the lives of both humans and artists. Above all, it’s an album because that’s what he intended it to be: a statement of intent.

The album’s title track is “All watched over by Machines of loving grace”. The song opens with static sounds before the vocal performance starts. The song is about how people don’t feel safe because of technological advances. At first, talking about how the government spied on citizens through technology was considered a conspiracy theory but now they have been proven over and over again, making citizens worldwide feel paranoid, always looking over their shoulders (”everyone is paranoid, no shock there”). Musically, the instrumentation was versatile and there was never a dull moment during this song and it was the perfect song for opening the album.

Next is the song “For the Love of”. The song has a very catchy and upbeat opening. The song is about a character who finds it difficult to connect with anyone and is having a hard time in life (” Nobody gives you anything in this world”). This character then scolds society asking them to be more accommodating in life. The song is a rock-infused song that will get you rocking out really hard

“Methuselah” is the next song on the album. The song opens with a really nice beat and a character who is counting down from one to three. The song is about a character who is complimenting a beautiful person and marvels at how she’s so put together despite the horrifying times we are in (”everything is so awful now”). There is a beautiful instrumental solo that will delight listeners because of how well it goes together with Gates’ voice, like the perfect wine and cheese combo

Next comes the song “Memory”. The song has a retro synth-pop intro that will engage you immediately. The song has an apocalyptic feel as the character is facing some sort of crisis (”prepare for emergencies”). The character also cautions others on how life is. The song is very cool the synth sounds will make you feel nostalgic and the solo will enthrall you completely

“Rebranded” is the song that comes up next. The song has a very unique and beautiful intro. The song is about a character who has seen that his ex has moved on since they broke up (” There you are in someone else’s picture a perfect version of yourself”). He laments how much she has changed since they broke up. This song will resonate with listeners because the first meeting between you and your ex since you broke up is very awkward and extremely painful especially if she looks happier or different. Musically, the song is sad but you would learn something from this song

Next is the “predictable symphony”. This song has a dark and eerie vibe right from the start. This song presents a character who is deeply in love with someone he never had the gut to ask out (”Can I miss you though you’re not gone?”). This song reminds listeners that we need to be brave and take chances

“Futurist” is the next song on the album. This song is a fireball of energy, thrown right at you as soon as the song starts. This rock song is foot-tapping and will have you rocking out to it before you know it. You just want to rock out as hard as you can. The song has an array of distorted sounds mixed in with an outstanding electric guitar solo

Next is ”acceptable limits of being sick” The intro is a slow rock instrumentation. This song is amazing with its angsty vibe, perfect instrumentation, and a sick, sick electric guitar solo. This song was ridiculously good and you will get lost in it’s amazing sound

The second to last song is titled ” For Catherine o’er the Sea”. The opening of the song is the very immersive sound of waves crashing and then a bright guitar sound. The song is about a character who is one with nature and is the favorite person of the mystical spirits(”dancing all the fairies”). This song takes us on a mystical adventure with its characters through the lyrics and the song itself. This song has traces of violin sounds and even has a brief violin solo. The song ends the way it began, with waves crashing on the beach. The sounds in this song transport you telepathically so you can picture the images of the song in your mind’s eye and enjoy the song even more

The last song on this album is called” I’ll See You There”. The song has sharp piano notes that often with time mix with muted chatter in its opening. In the song, the persona doesn’t feel comfortable in his own skin, he’s insecure and thinks he’s not the version of himself that his lover would like(” I’ll bring a picnic and we can go to the sea, ‘ll be better I won’t be me”). Although they make plans together to go out for a picnic, he tells her to take the lead and that he will follow suit. This story is heartbreaking and I am assuming that this might have been based on a real-life experience. Living on the spectrum is hard, especially navigating social and emotional situations. I applaud Gates for sharing this with us and telling us to love ourselves no matter what. This advisory and heartbreaking tune ends the album

Because of Gates, I will from now onwards see life through the eyes of an autistic person. I will be more gentle and understanding towards autistic people. Gates demonstrates through the shared humanity we all possess. Practically speaking, it features strong songs with memorable hooks, a diverse and engaging musical style, and the ability to stand alone as a piece of art. However, it also attempts—or at least attempts—to advance conversation. Gates is a bright star and he will go far in the industry

Stream the album “Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace” on Spotify or SoundCloud

Follow David Gates on his socials; Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp, YouTube