Gypsum
Sonic Ritual, 2021
9/10
A Los Angeles outfit with an affinity for post-rock moments, the trio of Gypsum make quite an impression on this debut album, where Sapphire Jewell (guitar, vocals), Anna Arboles (guitar, vocals) and Jessy Reed (drums) cultivate some very interesting harmony and rhythm.
“Follow Me” opens the listen with a dreamy soaring, as dynamic and melodic instrumentation shows hints of psyche-rock ideas, and “Lungs” follows with a shimmering pop quality amid warm post-rock nods that give the track a very distinct climate of fuzzed out fun.
At the halfway point, “Snow White” recruits much atmosphere, where synthetic drumming and a mysterious intimacy are present and appreciated, while “Grafting” is a gorgeous display of precise drumming, angular guitar work, and a bit of mood to the ethereal landscape.
Deeper still, “Satisfied” is a bit more firm in nature, and quite pretty in its lush melodies and dual vocals, and “Disappear”, the album’s best, then weaves in and out of powerful, reverb friendly textures that hint at post-punk.
A hazily exciting first album, there’s some minor grunge stabs present, too, which only adds even more intrigue to the trio’s unpredictable and inviting formula. A striking first album, at this rate it won’t be long until Gypsum are everyone’s favorite band.
Travels well with: Church Girls- Home; Broken Baby- Late Stage Optimism