If like me you miss bands like Dubstar, and have more than a passing acquaintance with the music of Saint Etienne, then you will find Gulp very much up your avenue. The trio of Super Furry Animals member Guto Pryce, vocalist Lindsey Leven and guitarist Gid Goundrey make really durable pop music with a twist towards the unpredictable. Showing a love of Krautrock, the trio keep the emphasis on rhythm as a big part of their music, but the songs are catchy too and tell a story. ‘Claudia’ is one of the finest examples, the title track is enjoyable woozy and ‘Morning Velvet Sky’, mixed by Luke Abbott, also leaves a strong impression. The electronic squiggles on the closing ‘Silver Tides’ indicate a willingness to get down and dirty a bit more, which really suits them – and could be a way forward to something more experimental. A really enjoyable record.
Ben Hogwood
4 out of 5
