The Floridian post-hardcore quintet find a unique groove on their newest LP.
There are a growing number of femme-fronted post hardcore/hardcore bands emerging, and it's really cool to finally see some diversity make its way to the genre. One of the bands I've had my eyes on the past few years has been the Florida based five piece Gouge Away. They recently released their new LP 'Deep Sage', and I'm excited to chat about it and share my thoughts!
'Deep Sage' opens with a bang with the track 'Stuck in a Dream', which may not be the most varied track in the world, but it's a raw, aggressive tune that is a great mix of post hardcore, grunge, and modern rock. It also sets the tone well for the rest of the album. Tracks like 'The Sharpening' or 'I Need Space' would be right at home in the early 90s hardcore scene. 'Deep Sage' is 34 minutes of charged hyper indie rock infused post hardcore, with touches of grunge and some gazey overtones thrown in for good measure. They aren't afraid to slow things down, either, and the closing track 'Dallas' stands out as a powerful example of how a heavier band can still find raw emotion in the quieter moments. It's a fun mix that usually pays off with interesting, raw songs (even if it sees a lull or two along the way).
Thematically and musically, the record reminds me a bit of an album I reviewed earlier this month, that being 'I Got Heaven' by Mannequin Pussy. Where I said the latter was better off when it was at its loudest and angriest, Gouge Away's release is more than apt when things slow down and get more spacey and introspective. Those moments are some of the brightest on the album, and paired with the standout tracks that follow the more typical post hardcore guidelines, it makes for a pretty fun and refreshing album.
If anything, 'Deep Sage' just isn't the most consistent record you will listen to, and while I wouldn't consider anything 'filler' by any means, some moments stand out more than others. Lyrically, things are nothing special or too different for the genre, and while it doesn't hurt the album in the best moments, it can tend to make the weaker moments that much more forgettable.
I'm still not going to hesitate to recommend the record, because the good does outweigh the bad by quite a bit, and there are some really heavy, raw, and melodically satisfying songs on offer. If you're a fan of post hardcore, grungy rock, or even some heavier gaze tunes, 'Deep Sage' has definitely got something for you to cling on to.
Standout tracks: Stuck in a Dream, Idealized, A Welcome Change, The Sharpening, Dallas
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