OUT TODAY – Gush Release Shimmering New Single ‘Dilemma’ – (N Irish Alt Rock)
Born of struggles with self-acceptance and dealing with feelings of inadequacy, ‘Dilemma’ is the stunning new single from one of Belfast’s brightest, newest bands, Gush. Owing as much to Seattle 90s flannel-soaked rock as it does to the hazy gazey scene propagated by Creation Records in the early 90s, the song acts as a cathartic vehicle for vocalist and guitarist Chelsea Andrews, to expunge old demons and, in the process, transforming the negative into a positive.
The seeds of Gush were planted as far back as a decade ago, with lead guitarist Robby McCammon and bassist Rab Millar having been tied to each other under the banner of various different bands over the years. Upon returning home to Northern Ireland after a short hiatus spent in Liverpool, Chelsea and Robby reconnected with Rab. Soon after, a chance encounter at Christmas gifted the band their drummer, Darren Clarke. The band set about writing at a furious pace, intent on forging their own sound. They chewed up their various influences and spat them out as something entirely themselves. This is especially evident on their new single ‘Dilemma’.
Some songs take months of work, being ripped apart over and over again, whilst others feel like some unseen force is guiding hands to the next chord or note. Arguably, the best songs are ‘given’, like this. ‘Dilemma’ was one of those songs. Beginning life as a simple three chord progression Chelsea brought to the band, the track immediately took shape. It begins dripping in watery chorus guitars, with layered in guitar melodies and Rab’s tasteful bass, all setting the mood for Chelsea’s vocals that move between affecting and sensitive to impassioned and raw. Darren’s driving hi-hats propel the chorus forward, adding purpose and intent, before pulling back and creating space in the verses. The ebb and flow of the track utilises the Pixies’ famous loud-quiet-loud formula, before reaching the final third that builds to a crescendo by way of stomping on the overdrive pedal, delayed soaring guitar leads and gnarled out bass.
Lyrically, the track deals with comparing yourself to others and never feeling like you measure up, while striving for self-acceptance. A feeling all too common in today’s social media drenched world. Taking these feelings of inadequacy and channelling them into the song provides a much-needed catharsis. As Chelsea’s vocals climb in the final chorus, there is a palpable cleansing of these misplaced and unnecessary feelings. It’s in this purification that solace is found, and they can be buried forever. The distorted Marilyn Monroe sample that bookends the song, only adds weight to the lyrical subject matter.
To help capture the essence and energy of the track, the band turned to Ross Alexander. Lending his ears and hand to the project, Ross helped shape the track along with the band. Ross was aided by the enigmatic ‘Mr Parsnip’ for additional drum recordings. The video for the song was shot in the band’s rehearsal space by Lois Lenaghan and edited by Ciaran McIlhatton. It’s raw and direct, acting as an introduction to Gush and providing a glimpse of the live experience.
The concept for the artwork was heavily tied to the meaning of the lyrics. In tarot, the moon card represents worries, insecurities and fears you may have during a difficult period in your life. This paired perfectly with the lyrics and leans into the band’s aesthetic. Chelsea brought the concept to Ebony Alexander who helped bring the idea to life, taking the band’s signature colours and mirroring them in the artwork.
The debut single from Gush feels and sounds like a band much further into their career. Having only formed in early 2023, it’s a bold statement built around shimmering guitars, driving bass and propulsive drums, with a vocal that delves deep to deliver an emotional and complex performance.
The band play:
March 15th – Union Bar, Belfast
March 21st – Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast
April 27th – Deers Head, Belfast