Some have it, some don’t. Some artists force themselves to write dark and moody songs. They think it makes them look mature, or enigmatic, or rounded. But some bands write dark and moody music because that’s who they are. It’s what they do. Galli is one of those acts. Their debut single ‘Sabika’ was released on Friday 22nd of February, and I’m curious to see what they do next.
The drums hit you first. They’re tribal. They stumble along in the back. They feel rhythmic, yet chaotic. It reminded me a lot of Elbow. Their first album Asleep in the Back sounded a lot like Galli. I wonder if Galli were influenced by them at all? Either way, I like it.
The guitar is space-like. The clean tone makes them feel small and empty. But the splash of reverb and close intervals makes each note linger. There were no flashy tricks either. No solos, no ornamentation. It could carry itself well enough without. The bass bubbled in the back. It added a splash of attitude to the backline. They were both great matches for this track.
The vocals of Georgia King hit you next. She reminded me a lot of Japanese Breakfast. In the same breath, her voice is gentle yet harsh, sweet yet bitter. It fits the lyrics: a charged transition from one relationship to another. They “gave [her] share to someone more deserved, less reserved.”
I’ll admit, I thought the track was rather ugly the first time I listened. But I gave it a second chance, and it grew on me. You’ll see what I mean when you listen for yourself. You’ll be curious about what’s next, just like me.
Galli’s new single ‘Sabika’ is out now on Drongo Records – available to purchase direct from Bandcamp.
