By Eluned Darwin Goss, Fourth Year Law and French
For a band making its way up the ranks so quickly, a large venue was needed for their presence. Not only that, but plenty of space was needed for frantic jumping. Having begun their band during Covid, perfecting their sound over video calls, Gurriers have since spent the last few years putting it out into the world, spreading their message and infectious energy.
Dutch band Tramhaus warmed up the audience with their unique indie-punk sound. Their top hit 'Swarm' gained particular attention, encouraging a surge of dance moves in the pit. It was impossible to not be ready for Gurriers with a support act like this.
Gurriers opened their act with their album title track 'Nobody's Coming To Save You', a menacing tune which is also a political statement. This was an atmospheric start to their set, instantly engaging fans and calling them to action. This opening song is a real reminder, and that's what makes the band authentic.
Another highlight was 'Des Goblin', a 2024 single which gets people grooving. Its jumpiness is paired with commentary on modern life, of which we soon learn that Gurriers are very critical of. We live in chaos, and this song's sound reflects that chaos. 'Pins' had a slower pace, it felt personal to the band and its memorable chorus gave people a chance to sing along, to participate in the music and to relax a little. The song showcases lead singer Dan Hoff's voice a little more than most, and it probably gives his throat and vocal chords a break too.
'Today is Not Enough' felt like a bit of an interval. Nonetheless, it still provides a powerful message, which came form a painting title which Hoff saw in an art gallery. It's the kind of song you can imagine a revolution happening to in a film. Whether a revolution is something that Gurriers want is for fans to question.
'Shades' has an ironic tone, and isn't as straight to the point as many tracks. It starts off a bit poppy, but eventually steers in and out of their louder, angrier style. The repetition of 'like you and me' and the track's implication that we are all like sheep, always following the crowd made the audience feel truly involved. It feels targeted, which is something that fans seemed to enjoy - we want to feel part of the message, even if we are being criticised. Similarly, 'Dipping Out' provides a similar sceptical, critical viewpoint. Its lyrics discuss modern Irish society and its shortcomings, many issues being ones experienced worldwide. The long introduction of this song is upbeat and has a very memorable sound. Gurriers once again had everyone dancing, carefree.
Come and See, the band's 2024 album title track can be likened to Nobody is Coming to Save You: it is a warning – 'get away get away get away' can be seen as nothing other than that. Its introduction is a misleading, relaxed melody which had us swaying, but things soon got serious: 'come and see a bedrock of misery' are incongruous lyrics in a sound which is sweet and slow.
Gurriers' biggest hit, 'Top of the Bill' caused much excitement: people were nodding their heads rhythmically. If anyone went without much knowledge of the band, they would at least know this recognisable tune. In the middle of the song, Hoff's cry of 'top of the bill' was a call for the audience to respond. And they did: 'I was a waste, I was a waste' was replied unilaterally. 'I Wish I Was' was a stark contrast: it is not one that you would dance to, but more one to wallow in. The heart-wrenching words 'I'll wait for death or my girl' are Hoff's vulnerably, raw revelation of how it feels to miss his girlfriend during tour. For anyone missing a partner on this evening in Electric, this was not one that would get a pep in their step. It did however give people a chance to cool down after a lot of dancing. It was a reminder that although the band loves what they do, it is not always perfect.
Lucy Bevan
The band finished with 'Crybaby'. Its distorted introduction was perhaps an attempt at hypnotising us to forget about the fact that the show was about to end, and to just enjoy the last few minutes. The song is serious and is a combination of anger and sorrow at once. Afterall, Gurriers were trying to remind us throughout the evening of the state of despair we are sometimes in; it would be naive to finish up on too optimistic a note, and Gurriers do not like naivety.
The evening's well-rounded set list ran through every emotion and every problem in the world. Despite these reminders, it would have been difficult to leave the venue not feeling inspired and encouraged in some way. We had fun, but we were also told to never forget that change is always needed.
Featured image: Eluned Darwin Goss
Will you be catching Gurriers the next time they're in Bristol?
