Only half a year after his last project, A.J.H. Gillis & The Delusions of Grandeur returns with his new album “I ‘&’ I”. Released on Remembrance Day, the album spends ten tracks exploring all of the emotional complexities of war.
This is an emotionally taxing listen. War obviously isn’t a fun subject to broach whether you’re the performer or the listener, but Gillis has chosen some of the most honest and vulnerable songs to tackle that he could have. While there’s a handful of originals, Gillis also gives his interpretations on a good number of classics as well. The final track, “Green Fields of Red Flowers”, even opens with the first unmistakable trumpet cries of “The Last Post”.
Given the subject matter, none of the tracks could be described as “fun”, but there are definitely a couple of standouts to keep the mood from plummeting too far into the depths. “Night Intruder!”, the opening track, focuses less on loss and destruction and more on the sheer bravery and legacy of the soldier in question. “Grandaddy was a badass – what is it you’ve done?” Gillis challenges, after rattling off an impressive list of feats accomplished after surviving war.
“Still Fighting the War” similarly has an upbeat tempo, but the lyrics tell an entirely different story. Originally by Slaid Cleaves, the song explores PTSD and the second, more complicated war that every veteran has to fight after surviving and making their way home. Gillis sets a brisker pace than that of the original, but packs just as much emotion into his vocals.
Gillis’s take on the subject really shines when he ventures into more somber territory. He throws his hat in the ring among the countless who have covered “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”, originally written by Eric Bogle. Coupled with just delicate string plucking, Gillis’s voice perfectly captures the agony of a man who lost his legs in combat. The result feels empty, an aching hole that you can actually feel as you listen.
While there are plenty of artists who have released work dedicated to honouring veterans and the horror of war, it’s not as common to see full albums dedicated to such a subject. Gillis does so with tremendous respect and care. He pays homage not only to the veterans who have fought for our freedom, but to the artists who have taken it upon themselves to capture that sacrifice in song. With this, he adds himself to the ranks.