Gilead Rises has become a familiar staple of the Downtown Albuquerque music scene in the last couple of years. Formed just as COVID was shutting down venues, the band built up a hard-won cult following with their foot-stomping, crowd-energizing rockabilly/punkabilly/psychobilly sound. In the last year alone they've opened for such touring bands as Franks & Deans, 12 Step Rebels and The Horrorpops. Now the quartet—consisting of Arelis Buchanan on vocals, Margarita Wild on drums, Craig Buchanan on guitar and Steve Wild on bass—has assembled its first album of original songs. The self-titled debut was released last week with a rafter-raising party at Launchpad.
The Paper. took the opportunity to chat with the Buchanans about their musical journey.