Album Review: Gutlocker – To Be Alive

It’s been four years since Cry Havoc, Gutlocker’s last EP. To Be Alive may have taken time to craft and create, but the wait is most definitely worth it. 11 tracks spread across nearly 55 minutes provides a weighty volume to tackle. It’s honest, open, and personal with subject matter that comes from the heart. This is Gutlocker at their most open.

Full of deep-seated groove, the album opens with the pulverising “Send Them All In,” full of crushing riffs, huge rhythm, and Craig McBrearty’s distinctive snarling vocal delivery. It’s an immediate aural assault which grabs the attention. It’s followed by another infectious song in ‘Make My Day”, a track that bulldozes with its sheer power. The staccato start-stop style of the latter track gives it an unconventional flavour despite the sheer addictive style. It’s quite the opening duo and early on you think you have Gutlocker’s number. You’d be wrong, for there is much more in their arsenal.

Standing alongside McBrearty are Pete Tucker (Guitar), Dean Walker (Drums) & Ben Rollinson (Bass). They ensure that the tempo remains high from start to finish, mixing up both vibrancy and timings as the album continues. “Sink or Swim” is a short, sharp blast, whilst the opening riff of the anthemic title track could strip paint, it’s just that aggressive. All these tracks are aided by a huge sound, courtesy of a solid mix and production by renowned producer Lewis John.

Hit the halfway point and the energy and tempo remains high. “SFS” sees the band find another gear, the song tinged with punk crusted crossover goodness, whilst the punishing stomp of “Absence of Change” demonstrates once more that Gutlocker can write songs that are more infectious than a clap clinic in Ayia Napa. It’s a track that simply pulses with power.

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The emotions are high as the album heads for its conclusion. Penultimate song “Temporary Bliss” is yet another pounding groove fest, bringing a bastard son of Lamb of God and Pantera vibe to the party. It’s a song where McBrearty excels, his delivery aggressive and perfect for the style of the song. And it leads neatly to the grand finale, “A Man Too Proud”. Now this clearly has personal meanings to the band, and we feel it as it evolves. And when I say evolves, I mean just that as it is a monster at just short of 13 minutes in length. It’s a confident, mature piece of work, that is at odds with Gutlocker’s usual “rip yer face off” sound. It retains the overall sound that the band have ingrained in their direction, but veers off into a more progressive path, allowing time for clean vocals and changes in pace. It’s an incredibly ambitious song, which works fantastically well alongside the more vicious, shorter tracks. Capturing the hardships of life, the trials and challenges of the past two years, the impact of events on lives, this is Gutlocker’s finest hour.

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To Be Alive is out on July 8th

Check out all the bands we review in 2022 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!

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