by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Philadelphia’s Greg Electric crackles with a unique energy, one that’s hard to define but easy to become enamored with. The band, led by Rachel Gordon (Nine of Swords), play a radiant blend of post-hardcore, tangled math rock, dense noise rock, and their defining brand of slacker pop, finding the kind of sweet spot that makes them one of those all-too-rare DIY gems. Back in 2018 the quartet - Gordon (vocals), Sophie Mcgilloway (guitar), Kian Sorouri (bass), and Dan Wolfe (drums) - released a self-titled EP, an introduction that was both intriguing in its anxious compositions and the dynamic aspects of the band’s free form abrasions. While the band may have remained hyper-local over the years, we’ve been eagerly awaiting more. Which brings us to a bit of good news and a bit of bad news. Greg Electric are set to release their second record, It’s Been… (as in It’s Been… Greg Electric), serving as both their new album and their purported final release. Due out June 23rd via BLIGHT. Records (Sun Organ, Ruah, Tadzio), we’re sad to see them go but thrilled there’s another album before the sun sets.
“The Deal” is the record’s lead single, a welcome return that finds the magnetic charm of Rachel Gordon’s vocals in full effect. Shifting between near spoken word and syrupy melodic drifts, it’s a rare chance for Greg Electric to eschew their more explosive side, and whether it’s a sign of the record ahead or just a moment of respite, it’s a gorgeous new addition to their sound, a sort of calm before the storm. Sort of… but let’s not get it misconstrued, just because Gordon isn’t opting for blood curdling shouts, there’s still plenty of technical menace to go around with interlocked rhythms and atonal riffs that dart between the neurons in our minds. With a hazy production value that compliments the tangled basement punk progression, “The Deal” slinks and slides directly into knots, careful to retain its sense of resounding melody throughout. Rachel Gordon proves yet again to be one of the more captivating front people amid the underground and while Greg Electric may be coming to an end, we’re eager to hear what exactly It’s Been.