Steve Gullick and James Johnston have both made a name for themselves in their respective creative fields. Gullick as a photographer who has taken some of the most iconic images in rock photography from Nirvana to Spiritualized to Wet Leg and more. As a founder member of indie rockers Gallon Drunk, former member of Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, and previous collaborator with PJ Harvey, Johnston has created some fine guitar noise and melodies over the years. Having worked together musically since 2004 when they formed the art rock group, bender, and now following on from 2019’s ‘We Travel Time’ Gullick and Johnston return for their next instalment of cinematic wonder in the form of ‘Everybody’s Sunset’, a post rock fusion of classical soundtrack expansiveness, rumbling noise and ethereal melodies.
Bursts of violins and pianos herald the opening tune ‘The Moon And The Stars’ which sets the classical tone for the rest of the album. Sweeping violins give way to soft choirs, on the haunting ‘Save Our Souls’ whereas ‘The Town The Couldn’t Sleep’ has wailing harmonicas, before angry violins kick in again, creating a striking soundscape of cinematic grandeur. ‘Greater Silence’ finds the duo operating in a parallel audio world to the film scores of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis with haunting vocals echoing throughout, whereas the closing title track sounds like the end sequence to a slightly unnerving thriller, synths, strings and pianos layering up a mountain of sound.
For two people so steeped in rock history, this string led album, with electronica, wrapped in modern classical orchestral ambience, may come as a surprise. Yet there’s an edginess to the often dark sounding tunes on here which ensures the album never loses its way. ‘Everybody’s Sunset’ stands alone as a work of surreal, moody, yet beautiful orchestral greatness.
Steve Gullick And James Johnston- Everybody’s Sunset: Out 18th November 2022 (God Unknown Records)
Video Premiere For Save Our Souls – Steve Gullick and James Johnston
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
