Gurriers – Come and see | soundsfromthedarkside

Gurriers_Come and See_FRONT_SftDS There’s a new band in town ready to shake up the guitar scene, and they’re not here to play nice. Gurriers have arrived…

Ever since Fontaines D.C. dropped Dogrel, Dublin has been at the centre of the so called post-punk scene. With Skinty Fia and this year’s Romance however the band hit the mainstream button. Of course there is nothing wrong with that, but this was not the step we hoped for. Luckily Dublin City has been a creative melting pot for all kinds of noise for years now and it didn’t take long for some new kids to pick up the Irish primal scream. Gurriers now storm the barricades and while their debut, Come and See, is still very fresh we can already say in advance that these lads bring back the ferociousness of Emerald Isle’s guitar scene from the late 10s.

During the three song opening salvo of Nausea, Des Goblin and Dipping Out Gurriers hit the ground running. All songs are loud and angry but beneath the sonics lies the impressive skill of the band to create a controlled chaos. The interplay between drums, bass, and guitars feels natural and even brings Joy Division to mind. Especially Dipping Out embraces a touch of darkness amidst the fury which is extended on Prayers. Here the spoken ‘Grian Chatten-esk’ delivery and echo-y guitars strongly remind of Fontaines D.C.’s work. After this relative moment of respite foghorn guitars and rumbling drumming return on Close Call, dragging you right back into the mosh pit. The sonic pummeling continues on No More Photos, a rant about their personal distaste for the clubbing scene.

Gurriers_Band_SftDS Just when you think your eardrums might need an MRI, the aptly titled Interlude arrives. It’s a gentle, eerie breather that gives us a minute to acknowledge the sonic warfare they’ve just unleashed. Before the final assault commences Gurriers delivers their most tranquil track with Top of the Bill. With that one out of the way it’s time for some unadulterated punk on Sign of the Times and Approachable to slam dance away all your worries. The album closes with the title track, an excellent shoegazer that feels a bit out of place but primarily demonstrates that Gurriers are absolutely not a one trick pony.

Gurriers are a product of their environment and make no secret of that fact. Next to Grian Chatten and friends, Sprints, The Murder Capital, and Just Mustard all get a nod of their debut. The band manages to weave those influences into something exciting, and unlike their polished counterparts, preserve a raw authenticity. The latter is also reflected on stage, as their harsh but infectious performances gave them quite a good reputation to support this release. Come and See is a testament to the flourishing Irish guitar scene and with these lads around there the scene gained in strength and shows no signs of slowing down.

Label: No Filter, 2024

Buy it here: https://nofilter.ffm.to/gurriers_comeandsee

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