Listen: Gulf - "Prime" [Premiere]

08 July 2014, 09:45 | Written by Jim Fletcher

(Tracks)

(Gulf)

Appearing from the banks of the Mersey and with a collection of records that undoubtedly includes local 90s favourites Shack, as well as Amsterdam and the like, Gulf come loaded with a penchant for echo and occasional nods towards the gorgeous psychedelia.

“Prime” immediately lays down the sound the quartet appears to be hankering after: driving drums, layered guitar and vocals soaked in echo. The muscular chords at the beginning are given rough edges by a rippling guitar tone before the sweetness of the melody and the ethereal vocal harmonies start to work their magic, hooking you in. Just as things seem to have settled into a wispy, twisted bundle of joy, so enters the wiry hiss of synth to keep you on your toes.

Gulf said: “Anything goes with our music. Nothing is off limits and every idea is as valid as the next. The most important thing is always the music. What makes us unique is that our music is the sum of a variety of genres. It might not be obviously discernible how these styles have influenced us, which allows the listener to make their own assumptions based upon the music.”

We think it’s surprising, exciting, loveable indie rock. Welcome, Gulf.