Random Records with Steve O

Gouge Away - Burnt Sugar

Back in 2016, we pretty much went unanimously for Gouge Away’s debut , Dies as the record of the year. We all loved it and I’m not sure any record on our bracket has ever been as universally approved of as that record. So clearly we were all eagerly awaiting any follow up, while watching Gouge Away get bigger and bigger the whole time. Which was great, and it brings us to their latest, released on Deathwish(!), Burnt Sugar.

As a whole, Burnt Sugar doesn’t quite hit as hard as , Dies. It is a more polished record, providing a spotlight to shine in. Gouge Away has refined their sound, one that mixes the callous, chaotic blend of songs like “Bleed” and “Uproar” off that debut with the more intricate arrangement and restraint we saw on last year’s Swallow/Sweat single (neither song shows up on Burnt Sugar by the way). That’s not to imply a mellow quality to Burnt Sugar, as six of the eleven songs here blast by in under two minutes, including the opener, “Only Friend,” which—no surprises here—features vocalist Christina Michelle’s distinctive shout, spitting venom with haunting lines like “Paranoia is here again / She's my only friend.” “Fed Up” has some jaunty melody during the chorus to break up the chaos, while the A side continues with angry numbers such as the outstanding “Hey Mercy” or the barrage of “Subtle Thrill,” with its mid-tempo lurch, closing with the repetitive, gang-vocal-esque chant: “Hurt is a commodity”.

Which brings us to “Ghost,” which truly stands out as something different for Gouge Away. It’s a slower, more meditative track, with Christina showing off her clean singing voice instead of the hardcore bark. I’ve seen the Fugazi comparison thrown around in some reviews to indicate the vibe on some of the more pensive songs here, such as the aforementioned “Ghost,” instrumental closer “Raw Blood” or “Stray/Burnt Sugar.” If we’re going to extend the metaphor, Burnt Sugar is the Repeater to , Dies being Out of Step, while songs like ““Dis s o c i  a  t   i    o     n” or “Can’t Relate” fall somewhere in between.

All told, Burnt Sugar does not hit as hard as , Dies. That record felt like the pent-up release of unending waves of aggression, while Burnt Sugar is more calculated, with precise hits at its targets. That’s not to say the hits aren’t solid strikes though, as the passion shows regardless of the pace or heaviness of the songs. “Wilt (I Won’t)” is vicious, and, personally, I think makes a better closer than “Raw Blood.” Regardless, I’m excited to see these songs live. Gouge Away is absolutely incredible in the live setting, and their meteoric rise from a tiny basement from their first trip to Chicago in early 2017 to their current standing is duly earned. They’re playing a matinee at Cobra Lounge November 18th , and we’ll see you there. Give Burnt Sugar a listen below.