Review: Gil and Wil's 'A Siren's Tale'

by Scott Roos

Released May 1, 2025 | Independent | 11m 47s

Our Grade: B+

With A Siren’s Tale, folk duo Gil & Wil - comprised of Aiden McRorie Wilson (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Holly Gilroy (vocals, double bass) - deliver a striking debut concept EP that blends folk storytelling with cinematic flair and a ghostly Old West atmosphere. Clocking in at under 12 minutes, the four-song cycle explores the legend of a mysterious outlaw known only as the “Cowboy of the Sea.” Themes of love, betrayal, murder, and judgment echo throughout, casting the central character as either a villain or a misunderstood heroine, depending on your read.

The EP is self-produced by McRorie Wilson and Gilroy, and recorded/mastered by Barrett Ross at Rec Hall Studios. The sparse but effective instrumentation includes Karley Parovsky on fiddle throughout with the occasional sprinkling of Candice Grosenick on theremin, and, Kristel Harder providing narration on the intro track. The sonic palette is bare-bones but intentionally so - an aesthetic choice that suits the mythic tone of the material and keeps the focus on the duo’s storytelling and vocal work.

The opening track, “Prologue,” acts as a narrative setup, with Harder’s spoken word introducing the story’s arc. Parovsky’s fiddle sets an eerie tone, while Grosenick’s theremin adds a sci-fi shimmer. It may not hold up as a standalone track, but it successfully draws the listener into the world Gil & Wil have built.

The first proper song, “I Do Declare,” is bold and theatrical, pairing western motifs with striking harmonies. While McRorie Wilson’s lead vocal is mixed quite high - perhaps too high, pushing Gilroy’s harmonies into the background - the song still lands. The chorus, with its atmospheric “ooohs,” nods to Ennio Morricone soundtracks whilst Parovsky’s fiddle brings a classical, borderline eastern European flair (think Itzhak Perlman's klezmer "fiddling" forays) to the arrangement. Her playing is technically strong, albeit almost too "classical"with it's delivery, but still adds a sense of tension that suits the song’s mood.

“Wicked Waltz” is where the EP really begins to shine. Built around a lilting ¾ rhythm, the track leans into its ghost-town aesthetic with a dusty waltz feel and spectral accents from the theremin. The harmonies feel more balanced, and Parovsky’s fiddle is more subdued here - less showy, more textural - which works beautifully in creating a sense of unease and melancholy. It’s a standout in terms of tone and arrangement.

The closer, “Cowboy of the Sea,” is the EP’s crown jewel and the song that brought the duo together, originally written for the 2022 Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Time Society songwriting contest (where it earned second place). The storytelling is vivid, the instrumentation is cohesive, and Gilroy and McRorie Wilson’s vocals blend in full force. Parovsky’s fiddle weaves effortlessly through the mix, enhancing the drama without overpowering it. It’s a track that stays with you and absolutely deserves wider recognition—an instant alt-country classic.

Overall, A Siren’s Tale is a confident, imaginative debut. The lo-fi acoustic production is well-suited to its mythic narrative style. Though there are some minor flaws they’re easily forgiven in light of the EP’s charm and ambition. A Mandolin in these songs would be sublime. At any rate, Gil & Wil may be just getting started, but their storytelling, musicianship, and vision suggest they won’t be flying under the radar for long.

For fans of: Gillian Welch, The Handsome Family, Orville Peck, campfire ghost stories with a twang. That's the overall vibe

Gil and Wil performing as tweeners at the 2024 Northern Lights Blue Grass and Old Tyme Music Festival (photo by Deanna Roos)