The Gulls: Lavender And Tobacco
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The Gulls have been making waves for a while now with their distinctive reside appearances and a raft of stand-out data. Might sees the discharge of the extremely anticipated new album, Lavender And Tobacco, and it doesn’t disappoint.
The Gulls have made a reputation for themselves by way of their high-profile gigging technique, culminating within the great Robin Hood Tour, which sees the band pitching as much as play largely unannounced (and utterly with out permission) in the midst of cities of their alternative – strolling the stroll by donating all proceeds to meals banks. However lest anybody thinks that is nothing however an attention-grabbing gimmick, those that have skilled a Gulls present, whether or not ITK followers or these lucky sufficient to be passing on the proper second, will inform you that that is one fantastically proficient and entertaining rock & roll band, and in Lavender And Tobacco, they’ve a file which captures their various spirit in all its glory.
Gypsy Dragon is the right introduction. With an air of dream-like mysticism, that is The Gulls’ tackle the Ouroboros legend, whereby the top consuming the tail signifies the everlasting cycle of demise and rebirth. And if this all sounds just a little New Age-ish, the determinedly counterculture band will make no apology for that. With the imaginatively organized instrumentation alternating between delicate acoustic and heavier rock passages, this fantastically produced observe already suggests the band have raised the bar a few notches. That is confirmed by the delectable Birds Are Singing, which transports you far-off to the sound of some thrilling guitar work from the maestro, Kilian Aubertin. Latest single The Legend is a little bit of a departure with an nearly flamenco-like really feel; a poignant paean to the celebrities who’ve impressed us.
It solely takes a couple of tracks within the presence of The Gulls to understand that, regardless of (or presumably due to) their considerably unorthodox, semi-nomadic life-style, these guys are genuinely proficient musicians, songwriters and performers. In singer / bassist / guitarist Will Fairhead, they’ve a charismatic frontman with an awesome voice who can have you ever in stitches one minute and in tears the subsequent. Tali Knight will not be solely a high drummer however an achieved singer and picker in his personal proper, and in Monsieur Aubertin, they’re blessed with one of many should fluid and versatile lead guitarists on the circuit. With Lavender And Tobacco, one senses a band which is turning into totally conscious of its personal capabilities, feeling the liberty to unfold their wings and take issues in thrilling new instructions.
The Final Days Of Che Guevara showcases the band’s instrumental prowess, an intriguingly medieval-tinged tribute to the revolutionary chief, whereas The Rage sees Tali taking centre-stage with a fantastically delivered solo effort. The Gulls are of their factor with Wild Girl, a track wrapped within the haze of illicit substances and dripping sensuality, then it’s proper again right down to earth with Edgar Brown, a harrowing story of abuse and dysfunctionality. This charming, adventurous and assorted album closes with the slightly attractive Life Goes On, a observe rooted extra in 60s American people rock than the 70s scene the band historically like to faucet into.
Lavender And Tobacco in some ways looks like a coming of age album which witnesses the chemistry between three fantastic artists reaching fruition. The Gulls could lead their lives on their very own phrases, however their music displays the understanding that that is inside the context of our imperfect trendy world. The result’s a dizzying journey between nature, spirituality, tawdry actuality and again once more, all set to an interesting soundtrack. There’s not a lot funk and boogie on show right here, and not one of the cheeky humour we’ve come to anticipate, as there’s an actual sense that The Gulls really feel it’s time to determine themselves as soon as and for all as ‘severe’ musicians – the outcome being a sound which fits them very nicely. However worry not, as whereas Pop Tune, Cowboy Cupid and Rubber Ducky stay reside staples, you may wager The Gulls received’t be capable of hold a straight face for lengthy.
The Gulls hyperlinks: Web site | Spotify | Instagram | Fb | YouTube
All phrases by Robin Boardman. Extra writing from Robin for Louder Than Warfare will be discovered at his creator’s archive.
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