“Can’t Explain” Album Art Review with GNDR // PR003

Anirudh Singh

In Album art review Posted April 07, 2019

Earlier this year in January, GNDR (Tom Gander) released his track “Can’t Explain” on Simplify. 

The track itself is very bipolar, with a combination of soothing video game-like sounds and heavy bass stabs. Not to mention that GNDR pulled it off really well!

Talking about the album art, it is a 3D rendered artwork where the artist effectively used the cloth properties, reflectivity of the material and lighting to create a glow effect. 

The creature in the artwork is something other-worldly and gives off ominous vibes. The cryptic nature of the character gives the title of the track- “can’t explain”- a very literal meaning.

I had a little chat with Tom where we talked about the song and it’s album art. 

Interview with GNDR

Me: What was your motivation behind the song? I hear a lot of chime-y, happy sounding tunes, but there seems to be a seemingly ominous figure in the artwork. Is that contrast intentional?

GNDR: I wanted to have the soothing vocals and orchestral intro draw you in, but always hint at something a bit more ominous behind it all. The artwork gives that impression too. I definitely like to have contrasting styles at times to keep the listener guessing at how the track is going to evolve.

Me: That makes sense, and the contrast was amazingly pulled off! My next question is about the character. What exactly is that, a supernatural being perhaps?

GNDR: It is what the viewer manifests. I’d say it’s a cosmic entity. If that makes sense?

Me: Sure, just one last question. This is for the producers that are starting out and have ambitious visions for their art, but do not have enough resources or networks to get such professional artworks made. What would you suggest these to-be storytellers?

GNDR: When I first started out I used free tools like Canva, and I have also used https://www.fiverr.com/ to great effect. There’s some talented designers on there for reasonable prices. We can all find the tools, it’s how we utilise them that creates that unique story whether it’s through the artwork or music.

Also a special mention to Aaron Simpson who runs Simplify recordings. Really appreciate the opportunity he gave me to release my music through the label!

Me: Thanks a lot man, I’m pretty sure this advice will help a lot of newcomers out there.

GNDR: No problem. Also, a pleasure to help out the EDM community!

Thank you for reading this review! What did you think about the artwork?

Also, make sure to follow GNDR on Spotify & Soundcloud, and me on my Instagram to keep updated with more such content.