Gengahr bring their searing West Coast riffs to Guildford
First things first, Gengahr’s performance in Guildford last night – one of just a handful of shows-to-date – confirmed at least one important detail: contrary to popular belief, the four-piece are definitely not from Devils Lake, North Dakota.
Displaying flashes of early-Radiohead throughout, especially in the clean, crisp rumbles of bass – the band skipped through their five-track catalogue; first taking to the stage with little fanfare, but plenty of youthful verve, to play debut tune, “Dizzy Ghosts”. It proved a fitting intro to those unfamiliar with their lovingly shonky brand of guitar-pop; all vaguely despondent, echo-soaked verses, complimented by machine-gun bursts of cymbal and snare.
The little honeyed coos that emanated from behind the drummer’s tiny toylike kit – a loan from the evening’s headline act – played a pivotal role on wall-of-sound barrage “She’s A Witch”. But the real star on their breakout track remained that thunderous, galloping bass riff which comes to the fore in each verse: a masterclass in nimble fingerpicking, executed from behind an instrument that’s strapped higher than Colin Greenwood ever dared.
Previously unaired third track, “Haunter”, captured a low-slung West Coast feel; its pistonlike, thumping percussion adorned with some of the night’s most searing, sunbaked riffs, while “Fill My Gums With Blood” was every inch the gut-busting indie torch-song we’ve come to adore. The finale of “Powder” oozed nervous energy at its climax, a proper Seattle-meets-Britpop wig out which summed up these boys perfectly: effortlessly infectious but knowingly ragged about the edges, and all the better for it.
Setlist:
Dizzy Ghosts
She’s A Witch
Haunter
Fill My Gums With Blood
Powder
- Famous join forces with Ava Gore on new single, "Demons in London"
- Home Counties announce second album, Humdrum, produced by Al Doyle (Hot Chip)
- Sabrina Carpenter performs "Hungry Like The Wolf" alongside Duran Duran
- Idlewild announce forthcoming self-titled album as first in six years
- Hand Habits shares two new singles, "Jasmine Blossoms" and "Dead Rat"
- NewDad detail forthcoming second album, Altar
- Danny L Harle signs to XL Recordings and unveils PinkPantheress collaboration, "Starlight"
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday

Lorde
Virgin

OSKA
Refined Believer

Tropical F*ck Storm
Fairyland Codex
