The Black Country duo GANS have made a powerful debut with their album Good For The Soul, which stands as a bold and unfiltered statement of their artistic vision. Produced by Ross Orton, known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and Working Men’s Club, and released under Peter Doherty’s Strap Originals, this album is a cocktail of electronics, rock, and post-punk, creating a dynamic and often volatile sonic landscape.
The album bursts forth with a raw energy that reflects GANS’s unwavering identity. It kicks off with the track “A Fool,” a headbang-worthy opener characterised by heavy riffs and aggressive, barked vocals. This sound sets the stage for an intense journey through multiple styles and emotions. Following this, “In Time” offers a darker, meditative groove, contrasting sharply with the frenetic, almost chaotic energy of “It’s Just Life,” which features a mix of pounding beats and quasi-rave electronics.
GANS’s ability to experiment is evident throughout the album. Tracks like “Nightwalking” radiate a swaggering confidence while “Far And Wide” introduces a funky twist, but they all maintain a connection to the band’s core sound. Each track feels distinct, yet there’s a coherent thread that ties them together.
Lyrically, Good For The Soul delves deep into themes of self-acceptance and the frustrations often felt in small-town life. The pride that GANS takes in their roots permeates the lyrics, portraying a sense of defiance against the limitations imposed by their environment. This struggle is palpable in their music – while there’s a resonant tension evident in many of the songs, it’s usually counterbalanced by a fierce determination.
The album also showcases moments of introspection and unexpected softness. “Everything In Extreme” features ethereal synths combined with an acoustic guitar, lending a cinematic quality, while “Oh George” artfully plays with texture, juxtaposing airy synth lines with a heavier rhythmic foundation. The closing track, “Well Done,” leaves listeners with an unexpectedly haunting atmosphere, merging mournful piano melodies with ghostly children’s voices, creating an unsettling yet impactful ending.
Good For The Soul is a striking debut from GANS, inviting audiences to dive into their vibrant and unapologetic universe. Much like a skilled chef blending bold flavours with subtle nuances, they effortlessly shift between intense ferocity and profound introspection, showcasing their dynamic range and establishing themselves as a captivating new force in the music scene.
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