With production by Elbow’s Craig Potter and featuring composer Bear McCreary and actor Sir Ben Kingsley, Black & White Movie is the cinematic debut album from British indie rock band, Gustaffson.
By Graeme Smith
In 2020 Liverpool-born singer-songwriter Andrew Gower joined forces with lifelong friend and guitarist James Webster to form Gustaffson. If you’ve not heard Andrew’s music before, you might have seen him acting. He’s appeared in Black Mirror, Outlander and Carnival Row.
He and Webster’s debut album sees them blend British rock with blues and soul, and has plenty to say about the state of the modern world. Opening track Champagne Socialist throws down the gauntlet and it doesn’t let up from there. There are thirteen tracks that each chronicle extraordinary tales of ordinary lives. Naturally, acting looms large in the lyrics and the cinematic quality of each suits the album’s title.
On Broadway is timelessly bombastic. The Jacaranda brings plenty of ambience and storytelling in its lyrics while giving us a striking instrumental. Underground introduces some psychedelic swagger. Paris In Summer is bright and percussive. Night People is stirringly singalong. Northern Baby closes the album in glorious, autobiographical style.
Andrew Gower is clearly a man of many talents and has teamed up with the best to create an impressive debut album for Gustaffson. Their sound balances the familiar and fresh perfectly.
Recorded at Blueprint Studios, Manchester, Black & White Movie is set for release 21 March 2025. You can pre-order it here.