Gum were back at Brighton's Green Door Store yesterday, just over a year since I last saw them play there. They've come on a lot, helped, no doubt, by the focus and concentration of their recent European tour with Ringo Deathstarr.
New drummer Nick adds power and invention to a more cohesive backline, with Jess's bass pushing more strongly than before. Chris and Grant's guitars swirl and storm but never wholly bury some pretty melodies.
There's more confidence and a sense of fun about the whole thing - a compelling swagger, of a suitably shoegazey sort...
I know I could be biased but they're on fine form and well worth seeking out, as a bouncing and appreciative audience last night would confirm. A new single should be out any day now and an album is on the way.