Fronted by Chelsea Andrews, Belfast quartet GUSH are back with Told U So, their new single and the follow-up to “Constance”. The track keeps all the rawness of 90s alternative rock but sounds fresh and very much of the moment.
There’s the grunge grit of Hole in there, plus the mix of distortion and bright melodies you’d find in Veruca Salt or Dinosaur Jr. Add hard rock riffs and a modern edge that brings them closer to bands like The Mysterines. The bass keeps up a hypnotic pulse while the guitars gain momentum, and Chelsea switches between a laid-back delivery and moments where she really lets rip. Then the chorus blows the whole song wide open. Producer Jonny Woods keeps it punchy and clear without losing any of its energy.
Under that bright surface, though, there’s a much less friendly fight going on. The lyrics pit her own relentlessly critical inner voice against the part of her trying to stay rational. At times it sounds like she’s arguing with someone else, but she’s actually turning those accusations on herself, caught up in her own doubts and contradictions.
GUSH turn insecurity and mental noise into an intense, infectious alt-rock anthem. Because sometimes the only way to silence the voices that torment you is to shout louder than they do.
Keep the good kind of noise coming. Follow GUSH on Instagram | TikTok | Bandcamp | YouTube