In the new video from Minnesotan band The Gated Community, we find the group in the studio, demonstrating their considerable talents and the work that goes into all the sonic textures present in Hope to Hell. Lush harmonies are elevated by subtle, brushed percussion, delicate banjo and absolutely gorgeous slide guitar that seems to weep alongside Sumanth Gopinath’s emotive, vulnerable vocals.
Hope to Hell was written during the recent events in the Twin Cities, when the actions of ICE agents made the news around the world. The Gated Community’s frontman, Gopinath, says of the song’s theme: “After Renee Nicole Good’s murder by ICE agent Jonathan Ross here in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, I began writing songs that more explicitly address the situation we’re in. I find the ‘protest song’ challenging, as it requires a directness that I tend to avoid in my songwriting. This is my third serious attempt as of late, and the one with the most rousing, energising chorus of the bunch. I am so moved and inspired by the bravery, intelligence, and steadfastness of my fellow Minnesotans in the Twin Cities who, against the odds, are acting tirelessly on behalf of our most vulnerable community members. This song is for them.” Gopinath’s vocal performance is truly heartfelt; the intensity of his delivery comes from deep inside, from the anger, hurt and shock at how events unfolded and at the administration’s response. While we share these feelings from afar, we can only imagine what it must be like for this to take place so close to home.
Hope to Hell is available on Bandcamp here, with the option to make an additional donation. All proceeds will go to local aid organisations, including Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), which supports individuals and families impacted by immigration laws and deportations.
Last year, the band celebrated 20 years in the industry with the release of their latest album, Goodbye Work. The album proved to be the band’s most collaborative effort yet. The usual vocalists, Sumanth Gopinath (guitar, keyboards), Rosie Harris (banjo, cello) and Beth Hartman (percussion), shared lead singing duties on most of the songs. However, the rest of the band also take turns to lead from the front: bassist Cody Johnson sings on Took In, drummer Paul Hatlelid takes the lead on Petty and lead guitarist Nate Knutson sings What I Hate and his original song Weed Smoke and Worry. Gopinath explains: “Given the way the lead vocals are traded around on this recording, the effect is something of sharing songs in a song circle or campfire sing-along. But there are so many harmony vocals and a group cohesion in each performance, that it doesn’t sound like a bunch of random musicians. It feels like a true collective.” This is layered, well-crafted music to be absorbed by. Check it out.
