Astute and cutting with their words, Gurriers craft soundscapes which mirror the moods conveyed in their lyrics.
Is there a better scene in 2024 than Irish post-punk? From bands like Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, Gilla Band, Sprints and too many others to list, we’ve been treated to some of the best new wave punk music going. Much like those who came before, Gurriers are no-nonsense in their pursuit of moody, grungy bangers: opener, ‘Nausea’ details the existential perma-crisis facing us all in the digital world. The screeching, howling guitars are like sirens serenading a panic attack. It’s quite an opener from Gurriers, and they don’t let up for one moment on Come And See.
Lead single ‘Des Goblin’ is more of the same; with chunky, sludgy bass layered over dance beats. It’s a floor filler of the highest order, with a fantastically sleazy breakdown which builds to a mosh-pit inspiring final act: the dance beat ramps up slowly in tandem with the filthy bassline. ‘Prayers’ is a softer touch, and sees the band curate a mesmerising soundscape, akin to their Irish counterparts, The Murder Capital. It ends in a dramatic frenzy, with Dan Hoff showcasing his vocal talent superbly.
The midpoint of Come And See is where Gurriers catapult this record into fifth gear: ‘No More Photos’ has the angular, frenetic punk of early IDLES. The songs on this album are driven by Gurriers’ remarkably muscular rhythm section (Pierce O’Callaghan and Charlie McCarthy on drums and bass respectively) and added noise and stellar screeching guitar work is added brilliantly by Ben O’Neil and Mark MacCormack.
We see a more melancholic look on Gurriers with ‘Top Of The Bill’, which distills the feelings of anxiety and chaos we all live through: it’s a standout moment on the band’s debut and sees Gurriers looking assured in whatever sonic direction they pursue. The record peaks with its penultimate effort, ‘Approachable’. A rallying antifascist piece; dripping in rage yet thoughtful in its ways, ‘Approachable’ showcases Gurriers as far more than mere riff merchants – they’re astute and cutting with their words and the soundscapes they produce mirror the moods conveyed in their lyrics. They expand their world of post-punk brilliantly with the closer and title track, branching into avant and experimental territory with ease. Right now, it seems as though nothing can stop Gurriers.
Gurriers are on a roll with this record and their reputation as a must-see live act is fully deserved. The post-punk resurgence is far from dead, and Gurriers are at the forefront of the evolution. There is much more to come from Gurriers.
featured image: Niamh Barry
