"... from acoustic folk to blistering rock...love songs, "rants, empathy for soldiers....virtuoso musical commentary." Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live "Tuneful and lulling, with a nice folksy pop-rock sound and equally engaging reflective sensibility to it, this album automatically wins the listener over on the basis of its gently melodic quality alone. Fred Gillen Jr. and Matt Turk harmonize beautifully well together on the lead vocals; their two voices blend seamlessly into a lovely and arresting whole that’s an absolute pleasure to hear. Moreover, these two New York City-based guys are very fine and thoughtful songwriters. Whether it’s the sweet charm of the opening track “These Nameless Streets,” or the bubbly vitality of the bouncy “It Really Matters,” this album delivers one delightful song after another. Some songs rock a bit harder than others (“Fall Down” in particular has a strong socking beat to it), but every last one hits the pleasingly dulcet spot just the same. A wonderfully radiant little gem." Joe Wawrzyniak, Jersey Beat "Backs to the Wall is an eclectic mix of the familiar and the slightly exotic. Reminiscent of great musicians like Bob Dylan and the Beatles, Gillen & Turk are both poets and political commentators, and their statements are framed by top-notch playing and original instrumentation." C.J. Trent, Celebrity Cafe.com Gillen & Turk's debut CD is Backs to the Wall. We recorded at Woody's House, Fred's studio in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Fred plays guitar, bass, harmonica, washboard and sings. Matt plays guitar, mandolin, kalimba and sings. There are 12 tracks ranging from folk to rock with world and roots influences. We brought in a few friends to help us, cause we like getting help and we like hanging out with our friends in the studio. Steve Kirkman guests on guitar, Abbie Gardner and Susan Kane sing, David Blackshire and Andy LaDue play drums and Rob Morsberger plays keys. The recording is melodic, with vocal harmonies, slide guitar harmonies and much of it was recorded live in the studio. We could tell you about the songs, but would rather you listen to the samples yourself. Winston Churchill said "there are no bad times, only trying times." Songs on this record reflect the times in which we live and the hope we have for the future.