Gilmore Trail are a four-piece instrumental rock band based in Sheffield, consisting of Bob Brown on drums, David Ivall and Danny Mills on guitar, and Joe Richards on bass. Formed by Danny Mills and original drummer Sam Ainger, the band is named after a trail in Alaska - a route recommended for best experiencing the Northern Lights. The music has a both a progressive and a post-rock edge, with a mix of influences including Sigur Rós, Oceansize, Explosions in the Sky, King Crimson, This Will Destroy You, Pink Floyd, God is an Astronaut, Intronaut and Buckethead.
The band's first release was the “Circle of Least Confusion” EP, which was recorded by Dave Sanderson at 2Fly Studios in Sheffield in October 2011. This led to repeated airplay on BBC Radio Sheffield, and an 'In Session' feature in Exposed Magazine, which included a 2-page spread in the magazine and a live session recorded and filmed for their website.
In January 2013, the first full-length album was released, entitled "Sailing Stones". Again recorded at 2Fly Studios, this record expands on the themes and groundwork laid by the first EP. Since its release, the album was supported by frequent live shows around the country, including a UK tour with Tim Holehouse, two headline slots at Tramlines festival in 2014 and a third at the 2015 rendition. It was nominated for Best Album by Sheffield Scenester, alongside a Best EP nomination for "Circle of Least Confusion".
By 2013, work had started on the second album. Recorded in July 2014 once again by Dave Sanderson at 2Fly Studios, "The Floating World" was had its official release on 16th May 2015, at a sold out show at Corporation. It received early support from Prog Magazine, BBC Radio Sheffield (including a studio performance and interview), and Clash Magazine, with a video for lead single 'Memories of Redfern' also being released by Fourth City Films. The album was met with unanimous acclaim from around the world, including coverage in Rocksound, Exposed, The Big Issue and Toast; a comprehensive list of reviews appears on the Press page.
Touring in support of "The Floating World" included a second UK tour, which involved co-headlining with Fly on Byrd, Fly on across January and February 2016. This culminated in a homecoming show in Sheffield, which also served as the last gig with Sam Ainger on drums. His departure from the band was strongly felt, but ultimately an amicable split. The task of filling his shoes was taken head-on by Bob Brown, who joined Gilmore Trail in March 2016, and his presence in the band has led to a fresh songwriting mindset as well as a return to live performance after a ten-month hiatus.
During the time away from the live arena, June 2016 saw the release of "Twin Peaks" - a brand new single and music video born out of love for the works of Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch. Freely downloadable, it celebrates the commencement of the 25th year (to the day) since Laura Palmer uttered the words “I’ll see you again in 25 years…”. Gilmore Trail are currently writing their third album in between live performances.
The band's first release was the “Circle of Least Confusion” EP, which was recorded by Dave Sanderson at 2Fly Studios in Sheffield in October 2011. This led to repeated airplay on BBC Radio Sheffield, and an 'In Session' feature in Exposed Magazine, which included a 2-page spread in the magazine and a live session recorded and filmed for their website.
In January 2013, the first full-length album was released, entitled "Sailing Stones". Again recorded at 2Fly Studios, this record expands on the themes and groundwork laid by the first EP. Since its release, the album was supported by frequent live shows around the country, including a UK tour with Tim Holehouse, two headline slots at Tramlines festival in 2014 and a third at the 2015 rendition. It was nominated for Best Album by Sheffield Scenester, alongside a Best EP nomination for "Circle of Least Confusion".
By 2013, work had started on the second album. Recorded in July 2014 once again by Dave Sanderson at 2Fly Studios, "The Floating World" was had its official release on 16th May 2015, at a sold out show at Corporation. It received early support from Prog Magazine, BBC Radio Sheffield (including a studio performance and interview), and Clash Magazine, with a video for lead single 'Memories of Redfern' also being released by Fourth City Films. The album was met with unanimous acclaim from around the world, including coverage in Rocksound, Exposed, The Big Issue and Toast; a comprehensive list of reviews appears on the Press page.
Touring in support of "The Floating World" included a second UK tour, which involved co-headlining with Fly on Byrd, Fly on across January and February 2016. This culminated in a homecoming show in Sheffield, which also served as the last gig with Sam Ainger on drums. His departure from the band was strongly felt, but ultimately an amicable split. The task of filling his shoes was taken head-on by Bob Brown, who joined Gilmore Trail in March 2016, and his presence in the band has led to a fresh songwriting mindset as well as a return to live performance after a ten-month hiatus.
During the time away from the live arena, June 2016 saw the release of "Twin Peaks" - a brand new single and music video born out of love for the works of Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch. Freely downloadable, it celebrates the commencement of the 25th year (to the day) since Laura Palmer uttered the words “I’ll see you again in 25 years…”. Gilmore Trail are currently writing their third album in between live performances.