Gypsy's Kiss - Piece By Piece (2025)
Posted: 01 Oct 2025, 13:55
Gypsy's Kiss - Piece By Piece (2025)
Year : 2025 (Vole Records Edition)
Style : Hard Rock , Classic Rock
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 135 mb
Bio:
The sights and sounds of Gypsy's Kiss. The band, first formed in 1974, that was the catalyst for Iron Maiden, reformed in 2018.Iron Maiden founder and bass player Steve Harris and David Smith grew up and lived a short distance from each other in East London. Steve was in Steele Road E11 and David lived in Downsell Road E15. Importantly both friends went to Leyton County High School for Boys. Steve and David became very good friends and when they left school in 1973 they cemented their friendship with a shared passion for West Ham United FC, rock and prog music. They decided they would form a band. As they developed ideas David helped Steve choose his first instruments; a Fender Telecaster bass copy followed by a Danelectro Longhorn inspired by Rinus Gerritson of Golden Earring.The two friends were determined and wanted to be in a hard rocking band. They soon found the fantastic drummer Paull Sears (a friend of a workmate of David's) and vocalist Bob Verschoyle (another school friend of Steve's) and momentum began to build for the fledgling outfit. They formed the band first as INFLUENCE in the winter of 1973 and rehearsed intensively at Allan Gordon Studios in Leyton and also famously in Steve's Nan's living room. They honed their craft by playing to family for a few months before performing at a gig/talent contest in Poplar organised by Dave Lights. The first paying gig came in April 1974 as Influence played the now world famous Cart & Horses.Influence became GYPSY'S KISS in mid 1974 adding Tim Nash as a second guitarist. They had paying gigs mostly at the iconic Bridge House in Canning Town, where Paul Mario Day first saw them perform. They also continued to play the Cart & Horses, later to be referred to as the birthplace of Iron Maiden. Gypsy's Kiss came to it's natural end in mid 1975 although all remain good friends.The image above shows the original band members having a reunion in December 2013 at a gig David was involved in for one of his later projects called The Front Covers.Over the years David has been asked many times to reform Gypsy's Kiss but always said no. He finally agreed when asked to play Burrfest in March 2018 (with Bob Verschoyle on vocals). The agreement to perform was only as a one off. There was no desire to do any more gigs. The image below shows the now famous reunion gig that also featured Gypsy's Kiss bass player and great friend Shaun Steer. Now sadly passed away.The reunion gig went so well it became impossible to ignore and David agreed to do two more gigs in 2018 with the current line up. Overwhelmed and motivated by worldwide support from the Maiden Fan Community, David decided he would keep it all going and Gypsy's Kiss became a real band once more. Since then they have gigged extensively and released a new single in 2019 followed by an EP in 2020. GK are currently writing and recording new material for an album scheduled for release in 2021.The current line up is David Smith (Lead vocals and Guitars), Jonathan Morley (Guitars and vocals), Fraser Marr (Guitars), Ross Hunter (Keys and vocals), Robin Gatcum (Bass and vocals) and Stuart Emms (Drums).
Album:
A new 12 track album from Gypsy's Kiss for 2025.Album released on July 18, 2025.The Gypsy’s Kiss sextet consist of founder member David Smith on vocals and guitar, supported by the six-string strike force of Fraser Marr and Jonathon Morley. Keyboard magic comes from Ross Hunter with the rhythm section of Robin Gatcum and Stuart Emms on bass and drums, respectively. With Piece By Piece, what immediately catches your attention is the work’s open, some may feel rare, but ultimately honest, multi-layered feel.The opening of War Of The World immediately heralds a classic rock sound. Constructed around a driving riff enhanced by the triple-guitar interplay and delicately colouring keys, the poetic but pointed lyrics allude to mankind’s persistent need for conflict and the detached nature of modern-day slaying. How many self-respecting rock fans can identify with the phrase “Tapping my feet to a misguided rhythm, that’s when the fun should begin”?The deliciously funky yet gritty riff of Yes Yes Yes sees it motor along with a bubbly groove. The funky bass breakdown leading to an ethereal flowing solo elevates it still further. Irresistibly noddable, it will become a live favourite for sure.Spirit Of Lost Years represents the range of skill and ambition on the album. Yet another elegant Gypsy’s Kiss riff fortified by swirling keys and Moonesque drum fills while the expressive solo momentarily takes you on an excursion to a different plane.The sustained opening chord of One Way Street transitions into a harmonic introduction that brings to mind the legendary Jon Lord.Continuing the precedent set by previous tracks, its effervescent grooves and meticulous solo charms the listener, especially this one in particular.A Soldier’s Tale commences with a mournful guitar over marching drums and sounds of battle prior to breaking into a more upbeat groove than one may have anticipated. The lyrics, however, remain on point.As it progresses, it takes on a new life as the solo spreads its metaphorical wings in a transcendent fashion before the above refrain is underpinned by a shimmering 12-string and exquisite piano.All in all, a precisely crafted Gypsy’s Kiss mini-epic.Ross’ keyboard wizardry heralds the Bondish titled Never Say Never Again. So many melodic flourishes here reference Eastern-tinged early Rainbow and the Man in Black while the keyboard solo offers hues of synthetic Gallic flair. All combined, this was my earworm from the album.Electrify Me serves as a remarkable showcase of instrumental expressionism. The imploring vocal tones and busy intricacies of the riff converse with asymmetric synchronicity.However it is the unshackled keyboards, waltzing carefree across the other components that provide the dream topping.There is something so quintessentially British when artists delve into a more theatrical vocal performance. Living To Die is more contemporary sounding as it vents an acerbic perspective on modern life while losing none of their previous anthemic engagement.An exquisite classically tinged piano introduction yields to a colossal riff on the autobiographical We Come To Play. This second single, to a certain element of their fanbase, will unite nostalgia and euphoria.Already firmly entrenched in the setlist, this could also be filed under ‘potential classic’.From its cosmic and pulsing keyboard introduction, the Watcher with its prog dalliances transports us back to the heady days of the ’70s.Penultimate track The Entertainer is quite simply the pièce (by pièce) de resistance.With its floaty introduction ceding to the iridescent acoustic, one already senses this will ascend gracefully into something truly special.“I don’t want to be an instigator, I don’t want to be the one who tries. When the world starts calling, it’s live or die.”The deeply introspective deliberations of the narrator are conveyed via fleeting Geddy-like timbres in David’s voice. The lyrical brevity is countered by musical aspirations that attain the scale and level of Floyd.One is upraised and transported on a musical magic carpet ride. Make no mistake this will be the showstopping hub of any headlining set.Continuing society’s fascination with history’s most notorious serial killer, lead single Jack For All Times is a cleverly crafted slice of Victorian melodrama which poses the question, what if such murderous tendencies were hereditary?Consummate storytelling by Gypsy’s Kiss set to symphonic tones driven along by a joyously ghoulish bass, the harmonic guitars further invoke the shadowy ambiance of Old London Town.Piece By Piece demonstrates a momentous progression in the quality of the composing, arranging and accessibility from the ’74 album. Building on the ambition of tracks like Arabesque and A Man For All Seasons, with the triple-guitar line-up, as well as keyboards, the musical possibilities are infinite.With maturity and years of experience exploiting the engaging narrative of David’s vocals, fluid expression of the guitars, keyboard wizardry, propelling bass and intricate drumming, this is an immediately enchanting album that continues to surprise and delight through repeated listens.
Line-Up:
David Smith - Lead vocals and Guitars
Jonathan Morley - Guitars and vocals
Fraser Marr - Guitars
Robin Gatcum - Bass and vocals
Stuart Emms - Drums
Ross Hunter - Keyboards and vocals
Production:
Mixed and Mastered by Ian Turner
Produced by Ian Turner & Gypsy's Kiss
Tracklist:
01. War of the World
02. Yes Yes Yes
03. Spirit of Lost Years
04. One Way Street
05. A Soldier’s Tale
06. Never Say Never Again
07. Electrify Me
08. Living to Die
09. We’ve Come to Play
10. Watcher
11. The Entertainer
12. Jack for all Times
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Year : 2025 (Vole Records Edition)
Style : Hard Rock , Classic Rock
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 135 mb
Bio:
The sights and sounds of Gypsy's Kiss. The band, first formed in 1974, that was the catalyst for Iron Maiden, reformed in 2018.Iron Maiden founder and bass player Steve Harris and David Smith grew up and lived a short distance from each other in East London. Steve was in Steele Road E11 and David lived in Downsell Road E15. Importantly both friends went to Leyton County High School for Boys. Steve and David became very good friends and when they left school in 1973 they cemented their friendship with a shared passion for West Ham United FC, rock and prog music. They decided they would form a band. As they developed ideas David helped Steve choose his first instruments; a Fender Telecaster bass copy followed by a Danelectro Longhorn inspired by Rinus Gerritson of Golden Earring.The two friends were determined and wanted to be in a hard rocking band. They soon found the fantastic drummer Paull Sears (a friend of a workmate of David's) and vocalist Bob Verschoyle (another school friend of Steve's) and momentum began to build for the fledgling outfit. They formed the band first as INFLUENCE in the winter of 1973 and rehearsed intensively at Allan Gordon Studios in Leyton and also famously in Steve's Nan's living room. They honed their craft by playing to family for a few months before performing at a gig/talent contest in Poplar organised by Dave Lights. The first paying gig came in April 1974 as Influence played the now world famous Cart & Horses.Influence became GYPSY'S KISS in mid 1974 adding Tim Nash as a second guitarist. They had paying gigs mostly at the iconic Bridge House in Canning Town, where Paul Mario Day first saw them perform. They also continued to play the Cart & Horses, later to be referred to as the birthplace of Iron Maiden. Gypsy's Kiss came to it's natural end in mid 1975 although all remain good friends.The image above shows the original band members having a reunion in December 2013 at a gig David was involved in for one of his later projects called The Front Covers.Over the years David has been asked many times to reform Gypsy's Kiss but always said no. He finally agreed when asked to play Burrfest in March 2018 (with Bob Verschoyle on vocals). The agreement to perform was only as a one off. There was no desire to do any more gigs. The image below shows the now famous reunion gig that also featured Gypsy's Kiss bass player and great friend Shaun Steer. Now sadly passed away.The reunion gig went so well it became impossible to ignore and David agreed to do two more gigs in 2018 with the current line up. Overwhelmed and motivated by worldwide support from the Maiden Fan Community, David decided he would keep it all going and Gypsy's Kiss became a real band once more. Since then they have gigged extensively and released a new single in 2019 followed by an EP in 2020. GK are currently writing and recording new material for an album scheduled for release in 2021.The current line up is David Smith (Lead vocals and Guitars), Jonathan Morley (Guitars and vocals), Fraser Marr (Guitars), Ross Hunter (Keys and vocals), Robin Gatcum (Bass and vocals) and Stuart Emms (Drums).
Album:
A new 12 track album from Gypsy's Kiss for 2025.Album released on July 18, 2025.The Gypsy’s Kiss sextet consist of founder member David Smith on vocals and guitar, supported by the six-string strike force of Fraser Marr and Jonathon Morley. Keyboard magic comes from Ross Hunter with the rhythm section of Robin Gatcum and Stuart Emms on bass and drums, respectively. With Piece By Piece, what immediately catches your attention is the work’s open, some may feel rare, but ultimately honest, multi-layered feel.The opening of War Of The World immediately heralds a classic rock sound. Constructed around a driving riff enhanced by the triple-guitar interplay and delicately colouring keys, the poetic but pointed lyrics allude to mankind’s persistent need for conflict and the detached nature of modern-day slaying. How many self-respecting rock fans can identify with the phrase “Tapping my feet to a misguided rhythm, that’s when the fun should begin”?The deliciously funky yet gritty riff of Yes Yes Yes sees it motor along with a bubbly groove. The funky bass breakdown leading to an ethereal flowing solo elevates it still further. Irresistibly noddable, it will become a live favourite for sure.Spirit Of Lost Years represents the range of skill and ambition on the album. Yet another elegant Gypsy’s Kiss riff fortified by swirling keys and Moonesque drum fills while the expressive solo momentarily takes you on an excursion to a different plane.The sustained opening chord of One Way Street transitions into a harmonic introduction that brings to mind the legendary Jon Lord.Continuing the precedent set by previous tracks, its effervescent grooves and meticulous solo charms the listener, especially this one in particular.A Soldier’s Tale commences with a mournful guitar over marching drums and sounds of battle prior to breaking into a more upbeat groove than one may have anticipated. The lyrics, however, remain on point.As it progresses, it takes on a new life as the solo spreads its metaphorical wings in a transcendent fashion before the above refrain is underpinned by a shimmering 12-string and exquisite piano.All in all, a precisely crafted Gypsy’s Kiss mini-epic.Ross’ keyboard wizardry heralds the Bondish titled Never Say Never Again. So many melodic flourishes here reference Eastern-tinged early Rainbow and the Man in Black while the keyboard solo offers hues of synthetic Gallic flair. All combined, this was my earworm from the album.Electrify Me serves as a remarkable showcase of instrumental expressionism. The imploring vocal tones and busy intricacies of the riff converse with asymmetric synchronicity.However it is the unshackled keyboards, waltzing carefree across the other components that provide the dream topping.There is something so quintessentially British when artists delve into a more theatrical vocal performance. Living To Die is more contemporary sounding as it vents an acerbic perspective on modern life while losing none of their previous anthemic engagement.An exquisite classically tinged piano introduction yields to a colossal riff on the autobiographical We Come To Play. This second single, to a certain element of their fanbase, will unite nostalgia and euphoria.Already firmly entrenched in the setlist, this could also be filed under ‘potential classic’.From its cosmic and pulsing keyboard introduction, the Watcher with its prog dalliances transports us back to the heady days of the ’70s.Penultimate track The Entertainer is quite simply the pièce (by pièce) de resistance.With its floaty introduction ceding to the iridescent acoustic, one already senses this will ascend gracefully into something truly special.“I don’t want to be an instigator, I don’t want to be the one who tries. When the world starts calling, it’s live or die.”The deeply introspective deliberations of the narrator are conveyed via fleeting Geddy-like timbres in David’s voice. The lyrical brevity is countered by musical aspirations that attain the scale and level of Floyd.One is upraised and transported on a musical magic carpet ride. Make no mistake this will be the showstopping hub of any headlining set.Continuing society’s fascination with history’s most notorious serial killer, lead single Jack For All Times is a cleverly crafted slice of Victorian melodrama which poses the question, what if such murderous tendencies were hereditary?Consummate storytelling by Gypsy’s Kiss set to symphonic tones driven along by a joyously ghoulish bass, the harmonic guitars further invoke the shadowy ambiance of Old London Town.Piece By Piece demonstrates a momentous progression in the quality of the composing, arranging and accessibility from the ’74 album. Building on the ambition of tracks like Arabesque and A Man For All Seasons, with the triple-guitar line-up, as well as keyboards, the musical possibilities are infinite.With maturity and years of experience exploiting the engaging narrative of David’s vocals, fluid expression of the guitars, keyboard wizardry, propelling bass and intricate drumming, this is an immediately enchanting album that continues to surprise and delight through repeated listens.
Line-Up:
David Smith - Lead vocals and Guitars
Jonathan Morley - Guitars and vocals
Fraser Marr - Guitars
Robin Gatcum - Bass and vocals
Stuart Emms - Drums
Ross Hunter - Keyboards and vocals
Production:
Mixed and Mastered by Ian Turner
Produced by Ian Turner & Gypsy's Kiss
Tracklist:
01. War of the World
02. Yes Yes Yes
03. Spirit of Lost Years
04. One Way Street
05. A Soldier’s Tale
06. Never Say Never Again
07. Electrify Me
08. Living to Die
09. We’ve Come to Play
10. Watcher
11. The Entertainer
12. Jack for all Times
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/