GUTTFULL: “Pulling people up on their shitty behaviour and risking their delicate feelings being hurt; of course it’s a conscious decision.”

GUTTFULL: “Pulling people up on their shitty behaviour and risking their delicate feelings being hurt; of course it’s a conscious decision.”

By Eloise Bulmer

Aug 22, 2017 12:21

London sax-punk band GUTTFULL have made nothing short of a noisy debut with their EP '#notallmen'. Careering from one track to another with no pauses to gather your thoughts, the release is an assault on all senses.

“It’s pretty cool to have something out there, accessible to others. It actually physically exists, no one can take this away from us, it’s ours” explains vocalist Moe Tasker on how it felt to hold the physical EP in her hands for the first time. “I’m so pleased we recorded the EP quickly, so we’ve got something to show people what we’re about” continues guitarist Cassie Fox.

Having only released their debut single in January of this year, things have moved pretty fast for the newly formed band. The track, named ‘Arsehole’, is scathing and riotous punk that calls out President Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration. Writing about topics that can tread on the side of divisive, GUTTFULL aren’t a band that care about peoples’ opinions. “If people find our songs divisive, I’m pretty happy to be divided from them, because they’re probably arseholes.” explains Phil Whaite, who takes on sax duties in the band. “Pulling people up on their shitty behaviour and risking their delicate feelings being hurt; of course it’s a conscious decision. I struggle to see what’s divisive about telling people they shouldn’t wish women dead on YouTube.” adds bassist Gemma Gompertz, referencing their track ‘Keyboard Warrior’ which they recently filmed a music video for.

Tackling the topic of sexist trolls online, the song doesn’t shy away from calling those people out. Discussing whether the internet has had an overall positive or negative impact on feminism, Cassie says “the internet just spotlights and accelerates what’s already there: there have always been sexist bullies around, intent on making women feel shit and isolated. There’s many, many more of us than of them, though, and the internet brings us together. The hugely positive reaction we’ve had to our video is encouraging. And not one troll yet!”

“While [the internet] has made it easier for the bellends to find targets (and some really poor quality porn to find an audience), I think overall it’s a positive thing – everything from discovering you’re not the only woman who ever wanted to have a wank to organising a march on Downing Street is much easier for most people,” continues Gemma. The track in question focuses decidedly on the negative ways the internet can be used. “Keyboard warrior, you’re so mighty with your typing” snarls Moe over a juddering guitar/sax combo, ensuring that anger is the key emotion alongside venomous sarcasm.

Utilising sax alongside punk guitars make for an interesting sound, which reflects no shortage of influences between band members. “Missy Elliot dominated my teenage years. Her unapologetic lyrics and humour resonated with the troubled and angry young women I was (still am). She was never afraid to make herself ‘ugly’ in her videos” Moe declares, before citing Lena Lovich as a vocal influence. “Can you tell? Ha! She’s so playful with her voice.”

Cassie meanwhile draws influence from Pixies, The Breeders and Dolly Parton. With artists such as Nirvana and Kesha also thrown into the musical mix by Phil and Louis, it’s a wonder GUTTFULL sound as cohesive as they do. Not content with being influenced, the band hope to become influencers themselves. “I want a group of mates to come to one of our gigs and decide to form their own sax-punk band” says Phil of his ambitions in GUTTFULL, before going on to list touring Europe and being on major festival bills as pretty high on their list too. “I would love to include a US tour on my wishlist!” Cassie adds.

Mostly though, GUTTFULL “just really love writing songs, playing them with a bunch of mates, and gigging as regularly as our lives allow.”

You can catch GUTTFULL live at the following places:

AUG
24 SOUTHEND The Railway Hotel
28 LONDON Windmill Brixton

SEPT
2 LONDON DIY Space for London

OCT
13 LONDON Fiddler’s Elbow

NOV
11 LONDON New Cross Inn

DEC
9 BIRMINGHAM Scruffy Murphys