Wednesday 1 April 2015

GURT - D.I,Y.M.C.A. (EP Review)











Album Type: EP
Date Released: April 1st 2015
Label: When Planets Collide

D.I.Y.M.C.A. - Track Listing

1. 8 out of 10 Cunts
2. Scrump
3. Scornmower
4. Baggy Trousers

Members:

Gareth Kelly - Growth - Mouth.
Rich Williams - Sedulurt - Riffmonster.
Dave Blakemore - Spice - Bassmaster.
Bill Jacobs - The Scorpion - Bashing.

Bio/EP Info

GURT have had the year of all years since the the release of their debut, having completed their first ever full Euro tour, destroying Bloodstock, crushing Hammerfest, and supporting 2 of their greatest influences Red Fang and Weedeater... but as always no relaxing has been done and the hard work has continued and less than a year since HORRENDOSAURUS comes their brand new release...

Punk + Party = D.I.Y.M.C.A. the brand spanking new EP from London’s filthiest party-doom bastards GURT!

A crushingly destructive combination of DIY punk attitude smashed together with a love for all things groove driven, these 4 songs are the perfect follow up to their epic debut HORRENDOSAURUS. Full of crushing riffs, groovy swagger and beastly vocals, these 4 songs are destined to become live favourites as they are unleashed on their upcoming UK tour.

Once again here to remind you that this is not sludge, this is not doom, this is GURT!!

Review:

London Sludge/Stoner Heavyweights - GURT - return with a surprise EP released on April 1st 2015 - April Fools Day. Yeah those sneaky fuckers sprung this EP on me very early on and here's my review of D.I.Y.M.C.A. As you can see the bands childish sense of humour is there for everyone to see. From the marvellous EP title and another joke is the band on the EP cover for D.I.Y.M.C.A.. Some people may have to ask their parents or grandparents what the joke is. Check out YMCA on YouTube if you need further help.

Don't worry as the rest of D.I.Y.M.C.A.doesn't feature any Disco/High Energy Pop jinks as GURT are here to play their style of heavy bruising Sludge/Stoner Metal riffs. First track - 8 Out Of 10 Cunts - feels like a number from their last superb album - Horrendosaurus. So nothing much has changed. GURT still live in the same violent and heavy world they always have but it's still a great number to immerse yourself with. Gareth's vocals are impressive as ever. They're more of the same Death based Grunt styles but at least their vocals you can easily understand. 8 out of 10 Cunts is another strong track from GURT for long-time fans to enjoy.

Second track - Scrump - is the EP's heaviest offering as GURT offer 6 mins of intense riffs and hardcore vocals that has a slight EHG vibe for good measure. When the band unleashes a blend of fast paced riffs towards the middle of the song, you can see why these guys are highly regarded within the Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. The instrumental work is the main selling point here and business is good for GURT especially when they start adding a distinctive Hard Rock/Blues Rock vibe.

Third track - Scornmower - is another epic offering from the band lasting 7 minutes. Though from the sound of it you would think GURT were playing a grindcore style song that will be over in 90 seconds or so. Not so as this is where GURT impressed me the most as they've managed to create different ideas to match the mood of the music. One minute - GURT play very fast and the next they play slower Hard Rock moments with familiar menacing brutal Sludge Metal riffs starting to appear as time goes by.

GURT next song will delight and confuse many folks though it gives GURT a chance to show people they actually do have a wicked sense of humour. As the last song is a cover of Legendary UK Ska/Pop Band - Madness - classic track - Baggy Trousers. It's too GURT's credit they make the song sound so familiar and so very different at the same time. If you're a fan of this song wait until you hear GURT's take on this. It has a disturbing seedy appeal to it compared to the upbeat pop original. Gareth does his best - Suggs gone Death/Sludge Metal impression with the vocals.

If GURT decide to play this track on their forthcoming UK tour then I can't wait to see the videos on YouTube. Mainly to see what the audience’s reaction will be. A crazy out of control moshpit jostling and jousting to Baggy Trousers. Maybe it's another elaborate joke from GURT for people to become part of the action. Let's wait and see. D.I.Y.M.C.A.is an excellent EP that will only enhance GURT's growing reputation. Highly Recommended.

You can buy D.I.Y.M.C.A. from When Planets Collide now. Thanks to Gareth for the promo.

Words by Steve Howe

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