Gulfer

Gulfer are an explosive and agile quartet from Montreal, Canada. Songwriters Vincent Ford and Joe Therriault drive the band's honest and vulnerable lyricism, sung in punkish, emo slants and backed with dexterous, technically proficient guitar playing. On their self-titled third record, released in 2020, the two shared the writing process in tackling themes of human nature, complex relationships, climate change, and the waning of youth. The group's rhythm section, comprised of bassist David Mitchell and drummer Julien Daoust, sustains Gulfer's signature explosiveness and bolsters the band’s nimble, intricate style. Their collective influences range from grunge to shoegaze, as well taking inspiration from indie rock-leaning emo contemporaries.

Predictably, the new full length from the Montreal-based quartet is their best work yet. It features a trio of three song movements, each punctuated with electronic compositions much unlike the band’s previous work. At 12 songs deep, ‘Dog Bless’ appears ambitious next to its 2015 predecessor ‘What Gives’. But the final product matches the ambition in its eloquent delivery of anthemic, sensibly technical emo.