Gumbo are a genre-fusing band who have just hit my radar thanks to their latest EP. One of their “Seasonal Appetizers”, it’s called Winter Blues.

By Graeme Smith

Every season, Gumbo release a short collection to reflect on it and give the world a taste of their music. Their latest, naturally for those of us in the northern hemisphere, focusses on Winter. We are greeted by a short, ambient skit. We hear the sound of crunching snow underfoot, the lighting of a fire and the preparation to start playing. It’s strong sense of atmosphere draws you in to hear what’s next.

Hurt So Good is wonderfully bluesy. It combines classic and modern elements in its instrumentals, channelling ’90s rock and ’70s psych through a 2020s lens. Expressive vocals bring with them memorable lyrics that will have you grinning as well as feeling. A noodling instrumental outro is a particular highlight.

Title track Winter Blues gives us some jangly folk rock that unexpectedly develops into some hip hop. The vocals are rapped in the verse before we get a groovy, catchy chorus. The lyrics give us the weary side of winter, often white-washed away by seasonal celebrations. I have to say, as someone who struggles through winter myself, it needed to be said.

All My Life closes the EP with a little more hip-hop, this time mingling with acoustic pop. It’s a sway-inducing track, rich with romantic lyrics and a fiery sense of passion. It finishes strong with an anthemic and singalong fadeout. It’s a final highlight.

I’m very much looking forward to getting to know Gumbo better. Their latest Seasonal Appetiser has definitely served its purpose in my case, and I can’t wait to see what Spring brings from them. The guys have a unique approach to genre and, most important of all, make memorable and compelling music.

You can check out Winter Blues below.