Gaupa
Fyr
Nuclear Blast
Imagine if you will what Mastodon being fronted by Bjork would sound like and that’s the first thing that strikes you about Guapa and it’s glorious. Singer Emma Näsland’s freeform approach to melody and timing is very similar to everyone’s favourite Icelandic songstress in fact we even had to check the notes to check it wasn’t her and we’re here for it. Swedish in origin the band deal in a satisfyingly vintage psychedelic approach to post metal and it shines through on expansive ender ‘Electric Sheep’ (surely a Philip K Dick reference). Opener ‘Lions Thorn’ gives middle eastern vibes and transports the listener to exotic locations and fantasy adventures. It’s intoxicating indeed and the musicianship on display is exemplary and will find favour amongst fans of Lowen as well as the aforementioned acts. The track slowly builds and twists and turns into the monolithic hard rocking riff payola. One of the translations of the title of this EP is,”to set something on fire,” and on this evidence Gaupa have the potential to do exactly that. Heavily phased out short sharp rocker ‘Heavy Lord’ sounds like you went to see a female fronted Soundgarden and took some acid beforehand that kicks in on the first chorus. ‘Ten Of Twelve’ showcases some excellent Tool-esque timing and fast fingered bass work rounding out a perfectly formed collection that serves as an excellent introduction to Gaupa for the uninitiated. Cosmic!
Review by George Miller