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The Austin Chronicle: The Dialtones Break the Freeze with “Young Summer”

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Lauren Gurgiolo, the gifted songwriter behind The Dialtones, is set to release an album that intimately explores her recent relapse with bipolar 1 disorder. Gurgiolo, whose musical prowess has been showcased with Okkervil River (2007 - 2015), The Octopus Project (2015-2018), and Erika Wennerstrom / The Heartless Bastards (2018- 2021), has graced the stages of the world's most renowned venues and festivals. She's lit up late-night TV shows with David Letterman, Conan, and Jimmy Fallon, and even made appearances in films. For a deep dive into Gurgiolo's multifaceted career, her Artist CV is a must-read.

In 2005, Gurgiolo formed The Dialtones, but the band was always secondary to her role as a guitarist for other projects. However, her life took a dramatic turn in the fall of 2021 when Gurgiolo, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, experienced a psychotic manic episode that spanned over a year. Amidst creating a Dialtones album, she abandoned her loved ones, her partner, and her career, and embarked on a surreal journey filled with auditory and visual hallucinations, multiple personalities, and delusional thoughts. As a sci-fi enthusiast, Gurgiolo wove a tapestry of sci-fi narratives that became her reality, featuring time-traveling aliens, artificial realities, self-aware quantum computers (one of her alters), and a struggle to save Earth. “It’s a wonder I’m alive.” - Gurgiolo

Once the manic episode ended, Lauren returned to Texas, where she grappled with the aftermath of the depressive cycle. The intensity of this cycle was as profound as the manic one, but with her faculties restored, Gurgiolo used this period to reflect on her experience, form a new iteration of The Dialtones, and document her impressions of mania in music.

 "I can't help but write about it," Gurgiolo admits, "the experience is so mind-boggling and traumatic that I need the music to help process the experience." She delves into the magnetic allure of mania that floods the mind with euphoria and confidence, and the destruction that ensues in its wake.

"I want to support people who have similar struggles because it's hard to understand unless you've been through it," Gurgiolo shares, having witnessed two friends succumb to the disease. To raise awareness about this issue, Gurgiolo implores friends and family members to intervene if they suspect someone is going manic, as the person might not be aware. "Please call an ambulance immediately."

After years of dedicated effort and extensive touring, Gurgiolo has established strong professional connections with some of the most talented musicians in Austin and across the country. Among these seasoned and exceptionally skilled artists are renowned producer/engineer Brian Beattie, who has collaborated with Bill Callahan, Okkervil River, and legend Roky Erickson.

Additionally, she has formed close working relationships with acclaimed bassist Mike St. Clair, who has toured with The Polyphonic Spree and White Denim, as well as drummer Chris Hausler, known for his performances alongside Erica Wennerstrom/The Heartless Bastards and Golden Dawn Arkestra. Eager to explore new musical ventures, she is thrilled to join forces with synthesizer wiz Wiley Green, who has worked extensively with David Ramirez, and the talented vocalist Mad Whitaker from Austin’s acclaimed Sailor Poon.

Her new album, a testament to her resilience and strength, is set to release soon. Stay tuned for more updates on Gurgiolo's journey.