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IN REVIEW: Gulfer - S/T

 
A self-titled record implies either an arrival or a reinvention; for a new band, it usually serves as an introduction, and signifies that this is the logical point of entry to the band's discography. For an established band, a self-titled record often carries somewhat of an ugly stigma, as the reinvention it's meant to convey has historically accompanied a type of creative bankruptcy more often than not. As an example, let's consider self-titled releases from Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots for starters; no one's out here championing those records as their respective bands' high water marks.

The case of Gulfer is rather unique in this circumstance; while their relatively fringe status ensures that a majority would have their first exposure to the band through their new self-titled record, in reality they've been doing this for nearly a decade and released an EP, a pair of records, several split releases and a compilation of early works in addition to slowly building word of mouth through their live shows (which resulted in a live album) before this album's existence. Their previous record, 2018's Dog Bless, got its most notable coverage through Pitchfork, confirming their status as a band to watch.

So, is their third album a reinvention or an introduction? Neither, really; the emo/math rock core they've made their calling card (thanks in large part to the finger-tapping riffs of Joe Therriault) is still very much intact, and they don't typically steer their sound into territory they haven't already covered. Rather, the growth is in the subject matter, shifting from the youthful anxiety that permeates much of emo and its recent revival to the tribulations they now face as adults. This isn't your typical hand-wringing over teenage heartbreak.

Other bands have excelled at this transition, of course, but there's something about Gulfer's re-entry that strikes a sweet spot. Musically exciting and lyrically mature, this record crackles with a tension and a playfulness that sets Gulfer apart from some of their contemporaries. It's emotional but not overbearing, challenging but not difficult and, perhaps most importantly, an excellent place to start with this thrilling and still relatively young band that's unquestionably come into their own.

October 16, 2020 • Royal Mountain
Highlights Nature Kids • Heat Wave • Letters

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