The Boston-based quartet Gollylagging has released “Red Fish,” a compelling new single that offers a vibrant preview of their upcoming debut album, Real Life. The track masterfully weaves together a diverse array of musical styles, including garage rock, indie folk, post-punk, and notably, hip-hop, showcasing the band’s eclectic influences and creative ambition. “Red Fish” evokes a sense of nostalgic escapism, conjuring the feeling of discovering a hometown band that has finally crafted its breakout hit.
A Genre-Bending Soundscape
Gollylagging, comprising guitarist and frontman Jake Regulbuto, guitarist and vocalist Jules Skiffington, drummer Andrew Garas, and bassist Joey Lorant, demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate disparate musical territories within a single song. The track opens with a guitar introduction reminiscent of Deer Tick’s bluesy folk stylings, before transitioning into a more robust soundscape driven by fuzzed-out electric guitars. This dynamic shift highlights the band’s willingness to experiment and blend influences.
The integration of programmed drums on “Red Fish” was a deliberate choice for the band. Drummer Andrew Garas commented on the process, stating, “It was cool to just kind of experiment a little more with how you can make percussion sound. Whether it’s real or programmed, or just a mix of both.” This experimental approach, along with other production techniques explored by Garas and Skiffington, ultimately serves to enhance the song’s overall impact without feeling gratuitous.
Vocal Delivery and Rhythmic Foundation
The vocal performance on “Red Fish” is characterized by its languid delivery, which sits comfortably within the dense mix. The verses are carried effortlessly by the rhythmic interplay between bassist Joey Lorant and drummer Andrew Garas, providing a solid foundation that propels the song forward. The chorus, with its memorable singing and chord changes, possesses an infectious quality that lingers, evoking a potent sense of liquid nostalgia.
Influences and Artistic Evolution
Gollylagging’s journey has been shaped by nearly a decade of performing within the Massachusetts music scene of the 2010s and 2020s. This extensive experience has informed their approach to genre fluidity, which feels both intentional and playfully executed. Guitarist Jules Skiffington elaborated on the creative spark behind the track’s unique percussion, recalling a specific moment with Jake Regulbuto: “Jake wanted a drum machine on ‘Red Fish,’ so I was like fluttering the high hats and shit in logic, you know, like ‘Back From The Dead 2’ style, just like cutting them up and the big unnatural patterns and stuff, and I was like, ‘do you want me to go this crazy?’ Jake was like, ‘Yeah, I think I want you to keep that.'”
The band’s diverse influences span a wide spectrum, encompassing artists like Dinosaur Jr. and Mojave 3, as well as hip-hop figures such as Chief Keef and xaviersobased. This broad palette allows “Red Fish” to emerge as a cohesive yet distinct piece of work, akin to a tightrope walker successfully completing a perilous feat. The track has the potential to garner attention in underground music circles, reminiscent of how Tyler, The Creator once highlighted Modest Mouse’s “Heart Cooks Brain” in a social media post.
A Watershed Moment
Ultimately, “Red Fish” signifies a pivotal moment for Gollylagging. The single not only solidifies their presence within the independent music landscape but also suggests a promising trajectory for their forthcoming album, Real Life. The song’s ability to synthesize varied genres into a compelling and original sound positions the band for broader recognition while staying true to their artistic vision.
The release of “Red Fish” sets a high bar for Real Life, demonstrating Gollylagging’s maturity as musicians and their capacity for innovative songwriting. Fans can anticipate an album that continues to explore the sonic boundaries that “Red Fish” so effectively pushes.
