Gouge Away – ‘Deep Sage’ album review: a return worth waiting for
THE SKINNY: An extended time away can often lead to the world moving on from a band, but every so often, the ticking of the clock and the swapping of calendars can alter the landscape so it is just suitable for their return, with all the right pieces in place for them to take things up a gear. This is certainly true for Fort Lauderdale’s Gouge Away, who return with their third album, Deep Sage, a long six years after their second effort, 2018’s Burnt Sugar. Simply put, it is their best offering yet, with their punk formula refined and expanded.
The pandemic and the havoc it caused forced the celebrated post-hardcore group, who were already working on their third album, into an unexpected hiatus. The great unknown it represented saw the individual members move to different parts of the US and concentrate on the non-musical aspects of their personal lives. Although it was a bleak period, perhaps this enforced time away has reinvigorated them.
An energising convergence of dissonance and harmony, melancholy and fury, metallic textures and ethereal notes, out of the sparks this inherent friction creates, Gouge Away built a furnace and forged a refined piece of work. Ironically, the group recorded it completely analogue and almost wholly live to offer a better sense of themselves. What a decision it proved to be.
Authentic but crisp sounding and not forgoing any of the raw power that made the group so compelling in the first place, the new body of work is utterly captivating. It sees them move forward stylistically with a host of new elements bolstering their sound. Every member shines across Deep Sage, from the riffs to the dirty bass tone and thud of the drums, and it is also vital to note that vocalist Christina Michelle has really found herself. Her delivery and range is unique but accomplished, and it makes for one hell of a sonic treat.
For fans of: Randomly smashing your own gaff up for a laugh on a Saturday… and spending the next Monday through to Friday regretting it.
A concluding comment from a psychologist on This Morning: “Any music that prides itself on somehow orchestrating a sense of dread is not good for the minds of the youth. Gouge Away are troubled souls, and this is troubling music.”
Deep Sage track by track:
Release Date: March 15th | Producer: Jack Shirley | Label: Deathwish Inc.
‘Stuck in a Dream’: A resounding way to kick things off. Opening with brief chimes, it segues into a flurry of noise before the churning riff slices through the mix. “Stuck in a Dream” Michelle might well be in, as she repeatedly tells us, but the energy and melody of this one is so captivating that it’s one I certainly don’t want to flee from anytime soon. [4.5/5]
‘Maybe Blue’: A melodic number that appeals to the more indie-leaning side that has always existed in Gouge Away, once again, the convergence of the infectious guitars and Michelle’s rousing vocals is a feast for the senses. This one has a distinct groove, and it will undoubtedly be the entry point for many new fans. [4/5]
‘Idealised’: An emotionally oscillating track. It puts space front and centre as the bass and guitars weave around the beat, with Michelle’s flowing work filling the gaps in the verses. As proceedings ramp up, she screams, “No apology”, her voice almost breaks, and you feel the hairs on the back of the neck stand to attention. Dynamic and inventive, it shows the broad stylistic breadth that Gouge Away. This is 2024’s post-hardcore in all its glory. [4/5]
‘Deep Sage’: It makes sense that the title track should be a highlight. A cut that sees Michelle do a bit of Sprechgesang in the verse, which is coloured by the simple but effective addition of the shaker, the gloves are then ripped off in the off-kilter chorus, where she delivers a whack straight to the jaw. It is a distillation of the band’s adroit experimentation with darkness and light; while it’s furious, it’s catchy, which is them to a tee. [4/5]
‘A Welcome Change’: One of the best features of the new album, ‘A Welcome Change’ is a sonic journey that sees the quintet play with space and textures, with the climax of this juncture seeing them expand their sonics and move in a direction that’s not so different from the eminent Self Defense Family. As the bass and drums unite hypnotically, the guitars link up to add more magic, and then a keyboard line is introduced, whisking you away. [4.5/5]
‘Overwatering’: Dark and atmospheric but moving quickly, ‘Overwatering’ is another mass of sound that taps into the gothic aspects of Gouge Away. It might be ominous, but it’s also one of the catchiest moments on the record, thanks to the music and Michelle’s more simplistic delivery. Additionally, the way it is layered is also masterful, with the guitars and drums locomoting and bringing it to a climax without a hitch. [4/5]
‘No Release’: A return to the more upbeat sonic character that opened the album; every element is amped up here, with Michelle’s delivery coarser and the guitars more angular. Another masterful slice of post-hardcore that has the head rocking back and forth the whole way through, this is exactly the type of electrifying cacophony that’s perfect for a workout or a long drive. The highlight is the thunderous scratched section that comes in at the end. [4.5/5]
‘The Sharpening’: A natural successor to the track that came before, the band jumps fully into their post-hardcore influences but puts their own stamp on the blueprint. Michelle’s furious vocals are higher in register, the riffs are frenetic, and the bassline active, making for another absolute barnstormer. It makes me want to throw my laptop out the window. The pit is going to open up for this. [4.5/5]
‘Spaced Out’: Under two minutes of energy, this is punk in its most no-nonsense form. Michelle repeatedly screams that she “needs space” before conjuring an unhinged but absolutely anthemic chorus. Another track that blurs the lines between radio-friendly and furious confirms why Gouge Away have been missed for so long. I feel like this second chapter is going to expand their reach markedly. [4/5]
‘Newtau’: Firstly, the bass tone on this penultimate offering is absolutely brilliant. Clanky and moody, it is the glue that holds the track together. In another more expansive moment that sees the band toy with dynamics and raises the tension to a fever pitch, across it Michelle demonstrates her scope as a vocalist, from brief moments of melody to bursts of pure wrath. [4/5]
‘Dallas’: Despite being the closing cut, ‘Dallas’ is the longest found on Deep Sage and a masterful way to bow out. There was no better place for it on the tracklist, as the group craft the most melodic sonic palette on their new album, which ostensibly fits into the alternative rock category. I’m sure a few post-break-up tears will be shed to this one, featuring harmonious and reflective vocals, fuzzy yet sincere string bends, and one hell of a shift at the end. Gouge Away are back. [4.5/5]
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out New Music Newsletter
All the latest New Music from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.