Gurriers: Pioneering the Sound of Modern Ireland with Their Latest Debut

In the sweltering heat of a Dublin summer, Dan Hoff, the charismatic frontman of Gurriers, finds himself in a café, whiling away the hours before indulging in a few well-earned pints. It’s a scene that could easily be plucked from one of the band’s own songs – a moment of calm before the storm of their imminent debut album release. “It’s a scorcher here,” Hoff shares, his words practically radiating the warmth of the Irish capital.

Gurriers, the high-octane Irish quintet, have been making waves with their razor-sharp progressive punk. As they stand on the precipice of releasing their debut album, ‘Come and See’, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. But who exactly are these noise-makers causing such a stir?

“So, there is me, Dan Hoff. I am the singer of the band. Then there is Mark on guitar, Ben on guitar, and Charlie on bass. Lastly, there’s Pierce, who plays drums,” Dan explains, giving us a rundown of the band’s lineup. It’s a simple introduction that belies the complex, layered sound Gurriers have become known for.

Their journey to this point has been nothing short of exhilarating, with unexpected highlights along the way. When asked about memorable moments, Dan’s response takes a surprisingly political turn. “We have had many highlights in our time as a band,” he begins, “but recently, we were invited to perform at a weekend event for the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, along with Cardinals and Imelda May.”

It’s not just the prestige of the event that appealed to Gurriers, but the alignment of values. As Dan explains, “The President’s views align mostly with ours, and he isn’t some maniacal head of state, so for me, it was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.”

This anecdote speaks volumes about Gurriers. They’re not just another punk band making noise; they’re a group with a conscience, willing to engage with the Big Stuff, but also thinking about how it fits what they stand for. Not every act so early in their career would make such considered choices about their public appearances.

The road to ‘Come and See’ wasn’t a straightforward one. As Dan explains, “The timeline for releasing ‘Come and See’ was basically from not thinking about making an album to it being an absolute necessity.” The band’s creative output took them by surprise. “We wrote so many songs in 2023 that didn’t feel like they deserved to be a one-off single release and left in the proverbial digital aether.”

“I wanted to hone in on themes that aren’t really traversed in the field of rock”

Dan Hoff

Gurriers’ prolific creativity resulted in a treasure trove of material worthy of album status. Choosing to record in Leeds with producer Alex Greaves at The Nave, the band found their perfect soundsmith. “He got the best out of us,” Dan says about Greaves. Their time in Leeds was marked by exploration and the embracing of a new favourite haunt, the Halfway House pub in Pudsey. Dan’s fondness for Leeds shines: “Loved it.”

The themes of ‘Come and See’ stem from a conscious effort to touch on topics less travelled in rock. The pandemic’s shadow loomed over the album’s creation, inspiring lyrics that reflect a world in turmoil, tempered with personal narratives. As Dan puts it, the album is an amalgamation of “bangers” that invite the listener into Gurriers’ world.

Looking ahead, the band is prepping for an expansive tour and grateful for every fan’s support. According to Dan, their primary goal is to deliver unforgettable live performances and inspire future musicians. And it’s not just Gurriers who are making a splash; Dan praises peers like Adore Blue and Girlfriend for their contributions to Ireland’s dynamic music scene.

As Gurriers’ ‘Come And See’ gears up for release, they stand not only as a band to watch but as purveyors of a deeper musical conversation. With their groundbreaking debut, they beckon music enthusiasts to delve into the evolving soundscape of modern Ireland.

Gurriers’ debut album ‘Come And See’ is slated for release on 13th September. Tune into Upset’s Spotify playlist to stay updated.