Do you ever not really know what you are in the mood to listen to, but you know that you want to put some music on? Maybe that’s a niche thought but if you are someone who goes through that, I can certainly point you in the direction of a band that isn’t afraid to merge genres. Finding Gaz, a Bolton based group, have released their debut EP titled ‘Ow Do?’ and it’s a real journey through music.
‘Demise’ starts with a bit of a latin groove, very funky, but also has very modern, well produced indie sounding vocals. A nice contrast and one that makes it feel like there is a lot going on, or at least that is the case in the verses. The chorus is significantly more chill, making the lyrics more audible and highlights the complex instrumentation elsewhere.The opening track is a short one but with everything going on, it feels full.
The song ends with a guitar solo that has an effect over it, giving it this murky, psychedelic quality. Another complete contrast to the vocals, but also to the whole song in general. This first track alone packs so much into it, and the rest of the EP only delves deeper.
‘Diamond in the Rough’ starts quiet, building everything up, and it is punctuated by the sudden impact of the vocals. The guitar chords are airy in the verses but this disappears in the chorus, turning into choppy, bouncy chords that makes this one fun. Each section of the track feels different and you can easily establish what part of the song is what.
Compared to what we hear in the first composition, the rapping is a complete surprise, but even so early into the EP you can see how varied it is. Following this you get a subtle instrumental section that launches into another great guitar solo. It instantly adds even more flavour and gives kudos to the guitarist who is absolutely on fire.
Another completely different opening, track three ‘Golden’ has a jazzy piano that becomes a fast guitar and then swaps back to the piano, which mixed together is slightly chaotic but yet again, an unexpected perfect blend of genres. It feels quite Arctic Monkeys to be honest. The vocals in this are pacey and the general tone is jaunty. It’s a strength of Finding Gaz as every track is unique but has the same good energy, for example in ‘Golden’ the show off flair of the piano oozes distinctiveness but quality. There is another rapping section as well that is very hip hop, and it’s brilliant that they experiment with so many sounds across each song.
Finally, the EP ends on ‘I Like It’ which begins quite mellow with a spoken word vocal sample over the top. The main vocals when they come in properly are higher than they have been in the other tracks, there is the band’s signature rap section and the backing vocals, which sound like a choir because they are so strong, creates a full sounding track. When everything quietens down, it feels like we are getting an intro to a completely different song with a twangy guitar that varies it for the final time.
If you thought that every track on this EP was by someone else, a compilation album maybe, it would be completely understandable. Everything sounds different and that in itself is such a talent. ‘Ow Do? literally explores music and it’s kind of amazing how well they do it in just four tracks.
FOLLOW FINDING GAZ ON FACEBOOK/ INSTAGRAM
FIND MORE REVIEWS FROM RGM HERE