“GALLERY drops debut EP ‘Rolling Stop’ blending shoegaze and dirty rock”
Gallery unveiled their debut EP, Rolling Stop, on May 1st, marking a significant milestone in the band’s journey. The five-track EP, released through Candlepin Records, reflects the band’s musical evolution over the years, blending elements of shoegaze, angular dirty rock, slowcore, and drawing inspiration from St. John’s history.
The band’s origins trace back to guitarist Liam Ryan, drummer Nick Hunt, and vocalist/guitarist Nick Corcoran’s early days playing together in emo and screamo bands like Swimming and Monroe. Gallery was founded in 2019, but their musical direction began to shift towards heavier sounds as they underwent lineup changes. The addition of bassist Maria Peddle marked a turning point for the band, solidifying their current sound, influenced by artists like Neil Young, Duster, and Happy Diving.
Rolling Stop delves into themes of stasis, reflection, and identity, capturing the essence of being trapped in physical and mental spaces, grappling with limitations, and confronting crises arising from stillness. It encapsulates the band’s current state, rooted in winter stillness, remnants of past bands, and forgotten houses, serving as a freeze-frame of their artistic progression – part echo, part motion.
Each track on Rolling Stop offers a unique perspective and narrative, shedding light on the band’s creative process and personal reflections. “Hoarders (Buried Alive)” explores the emotional baggage of holding onto physical objects and memories, symbolized by the suffocating experience of accumulating clutter. “Play” chronicles moments of introspection and regret during a dull winter lockdown, recapturing the essence of lost time and reflection. “Leeches” delves into the complexities of personal callousness and identity crisis, weaving together disparate thoughts and emotions into a cohesive narrative.
“Figure Out” captures the essence of acceptance and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances, urging listeners to embrace their situations and move forward with strength. The closing track, “(Stuck on the Shovel),” serves as an introspective apology letter, written during the recording process, embodying a raw, unfiltered expression of emotions and experiences.
Gallery’s Rolling Stop stands as a testament to the band’s growth, creativity, and artistic vision, encapsulating the essence of their musical journey from inception to fruition. With a unique blend of genres, reflective lyrics, and intricate compositions, the EP offers listeners a glimpse into the band’s inner world, inviting them to explore the depths of their emotions and experiences through music.