GRETTA GUNN
GRETTA GUNN
[EP LAUNCH]
plus guests
BOOMKAT REVIEW
Very promising debut of industrial-edged synth-pop from one Gretta Gunn of Kildare, Ireland. A-side, ‘Bop’ has an acute pop-potential, featuring Gretta’s supremely confident vocal welded to saw-toothed synths and blocky Italo-rock beats. Flip over and the speedin’ ‘Metal’ exposes darker roots in vintage Industrial synth music fromFront 242 to DAF but again, distinguished by Gretta’s arresting vocal. Slowing down to the acidic squelch of ‘Drum Real’, those vox are a beacon of harmonised purity amidst sleazy synth squirms. RIYL Factory Floor, The Soft Moon, Zola Jesus, Sumerian Fleet, Dollskabeat etc.
JUNO REVIEW
We had no idea who Gretta Gunn was before this record came across our desks; Alphabet Set, however, clearly realise they have a talent on their hands, with this being the first of four 10″s leading up to a full album release. “Bop” introduces us to the addictive sound of Ms Gunn, with thumping industrial synths swirling noisily while Gunn’s alluring vocals sit on top. The instrumentation, despite being raucous and abrasive, works brilliantly with Gunn’s voice, the end product sounding like a collaboration between Glass Candy and Factory Floor.
Flip over for the frenzied menace of “Metal”, which takes on less of a gilt-edged pop feel to the A Side, with gun-shot drum hits and droning synths dominating the soundscape as Gunn reverts to Blondie-style rap mode. It’s noisy and defiant, seemingly showcasing a darker side’s to Gunn’s sonic arsenal. “Drum Real”, meanwhile, exudes a similar electro-pop noir charm to the title track, with squelchy acid bass and the occasional echo-laden squeal from Gunn that would make Ida No proud. All of this is wrapped in beautifully presented artwork which exudes a kind of smoky, classic charm, with Gunn taking on a Barbarella-esque sultry superhero persona on the cover. The record itself is a creamy white affair, suggesting Gunn is something of a vinyl fetishist. An impressive debut in every way – the bar has been set.
Aaron Coultate
JIM CARROLL THE TICKET
The Co Kildare-based producer’s new three-track EP “The Hunt” for Alphabet Set is a fine showcase for her wibbly-wobbly punky electropop. The fiesty “Bop” will stick to your ears like bubblegum after just one listen.
TICKETS
€5 adv/ €8 door
Advance tickets available online from WAV Tickets [Lo-Call 1890 200 078] (50c per ticket service charge applies on phone or creditcard bookings from WaV).
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required.
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).