Evolution of They Are Gutting a Body of Water
Since 2017, They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW) have transformed from Doug Dulgarian’s shoegaze and slowcore-influenced solo endeavor into a dynamic, maximalist quartet. Their soundscape can be likened to the soundtrack of a fictional Mario Kart Level of Hell, merging drum ’n’ bass and breakcore with layered, aggressive guitar and bass riffs. This unique fusion is often complemented by rounded, N64-inspired tones, crafting a musical environment that is both playful and unsettlingly synthetic. Their sound is characterized by a grand scale yet maintains an insular precision, particularly evident in their live performances where they prefer to play facing each other in a close-knit circle.
Introducing Lotto: A New Direction
With the release of their fourth studio album, Lotto, TAGABOW takes a significant departure from their previous hyperreal sound. The band pulls back on electronic elements in favor of a more straightforward, live approach, symbolically letting the screens go dark and pulling up the blinds. Lotto emerges as their rawest album to date, both in thematic content and sonic execution.
Lyrical Transparency
While Dulgarian has explored themes of numbness and isolation in his past works, the lyrics on Lotto are strikingly direct. The album opens with “the chase,” a harrowing first-person narrative of experiencing fentanyl withdrawal. Lines like “Boosting Gillettes in a hopeful exchange for a sharp but tranqless synthetic isolate,” reveal a deep vulnerability, as Dulgarian grapples with personal struggles. Even in tracks like “rl stine,” dedicated to a friend facing homelessness, the clarity of his lyrics cuts through the dense instrumentation, emphasizing poignant moments such as, “I know that hurts/Greet the day with a sweet reserve.” These vignettes gain emotional weight through their newfound clarity.
A Hopeful Undertone
Despite its raw honesty, Lotto is not a bleak album. It stands out as TAGABOW’s most hopeful work, reflecting a conscious effort to remain grounded. Dulgarian describes the album as “rife with perceivable mistakes, ebbing and flowing with the most humanity [he] can place on one record.” This sentiment, while always present in their music, comes alive through the more stripped-back arrangements. In the instrumental highlight “slo crostic,” Dulgarian, bassist Emily Lofing, and guitarist PJ Carroll showcase their chemistry, taking turns improvising off Ben Opatut’s powerful drumming before uniting in a catchy, relatively simple conclusion.
Closing the Album: A New Approach
The final track, “herpim,” encapsulates the band’s fresh approach. Over a backdrop of ambulance-like guitars and a growling bassline, Dulgarian’s lyrics describe an airplane emergency: “We couldn’t land where we intended ‘cause there’s storms, but now we have to so I need you to buckle in.” The album concludes with a gradual fade-out of instruments, leaving listeners with the sound of muted drums and the creaking of a door opening, symbolizing both an end and a new beginning.
Conclusion
Lotto marks a significant evolution for They Are Gutting a Body of Water, showcasing their ability to blend raw honesty with musical innovation. By stripping down their sound and exposing their vulnerabilities, the band has created an album that resonates deeply with listeners. Lotto stands as a testament to their growth, revealing not only their artistic maturity but also a hopeful message amidst the chaos of modern life.
FAQs
What genre does They Are Gutting a Body of Water primarily belong to?
They Are Gutting a Body of Water primarily blends elements of drum ’n’ bass, breakcore, shoegaze, and slowcore.
What is the primary theme of the album Lotto?
The primary theme of Lotto revolves around personal struggles, vulnerability, and the pursuit of hope amidst chaos and isolation.
How does Lotto differ from their previous work?
Lotto differs from their previous work by adopting a more straightforward, live approach, minimizing electronic elements and enhancing lyrical clarity.
What is the significance of the album’s closing track, “herpim”?
“Herpim” serves as a metaphorical conclusion to the album, illustrating a journey through uncertainty, and emphasizing the necessity of grounding oneself amidst life’s turbulence.
