The newest offering from the Fremantle, Australia-based GUM is a swirling collection of psych-pop as Jay Watson (Pond, Tame Impala) lets layers of synths and effect-laden guitars wash over the listener throughout Blue Gum Way.
Watson’s last offering as GUM found him partnering with Amborse-Smith Kenny (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Murlocs) for the more swaggering, glam-laden Ill Times. On Blue Gum Way, Watson has reigned in a bit of those funky dance-laden efforts in favor of more restrained, nuanced tunes. However, the first single, “Celluloid,” is the closest to that Ill Times sound as the pulsing tension builds winningly before cracking open and dripping out a warbling, effect-laden guitar solo that cooks.