It takes guts to launch your career with a track that refuses to rush, but Philadelphia's Gab Gordon has done exactly that. Hailing from Philadelphia, Gab has arrived on the scene with her very first single, ‘Close To You’, and it’s a seriously smooth introduction that promises plenty of intriguing sonic territory ahead.
Instead of crashing onto the digital airwaves, 'Close To You’ opts for a slow, seductive reveal. The foundation is instantly absorbing, built on layers of sensual, floating synths and a subtle, almost hypnotic percussion. It’s a lingering melody that draws you in slowly, crafting a cosy, atmospheric space that echoes the retro-rock influences Gab openly names.
The track is described by Gab herself as an indie pop/rock mix, featuring a signature sound that merges catchy pop melodies, raw indie energy, and trippy psychedelic rock vibes. It’s an ambitious Venn diagram, but the execution is surprisingly cohesive. You can immediately hear the nods to her stated influences: the melodic flow and rich texture hint at the smooth, emotional scope of Fleetwood Mac, while the lingering, slightly trippy organ tones and drawn-out guitar lines definitely carry the dark, brooding flavour of The Doors.
Crucially, the song is anchored by a potent emotional core. As Gab explains, "’Close to You’ is inspired by a relationship I once had. It’s about that feeling of wanting to be close to someone in every way—to love them and to crave a deep connection both mentally and physically.”
This yearning is flawlessly translated through her vocal performance. Gab’s voice is the absolute highlight, shifting beautifully across the soundscape. She moves from slightly hushed, almost confessional tones—like whispering a secret in your ear—into rising refrains delivered with a captivating poetic drawl. The entire performance is intoxicating and ensures the song’s lyrical theme never gets lost in the atmospherics.
As the song progresses, Gab continues to evolve the production, demonstrating a keen ear for dynamics. Just as the soundscape threatens to envelop you entirely, a solitary, sharp guitar line breaks through the haze, giving way to those lingering organ tones and a gentle ebb and flow that guides the track to its close.
If ‘Close To You’ is the blueprint for Gab’s sound, then we should all be excited for what she’ll create next. It’s a polished, mature debut that manages to be both intimate and expansive, realising a vision that is distinctly her own while honouring the rock greats. Get this on your playlist now, because Gab Gordon is going places. To keep in touch with Gab Gordon, be sure to follow her today on Instagram.
