I discovered Gabi Garbutt a month ago, back when I found out that Du Blonde had recorded a new song. It was called "Panic", and it was that recognisable brand of infectious guitar pop that has it all: melody, attitude, style. The song turned out to be a collaboration with the English artist Gabi Garbutt who is about to release her EP (end of April) with "Panic" being its leading single. This made me investigate further, and this is what I have discovered.
Much, not everything, can be said about you through association. Gabi Garbutt used to tour with Edwyn Collins. In my eyes, that alone should count as an endorsement. I have seen enough opening acts that made me want to slash my wrists or at the very least roll my eyes in bored impatience, but somehow the association with Edwyn Collins could not let me down.
So far, Gabi Garbutt and her band The Illuminations have recorded two LPs. The first one, The Discredited Language of Angels (★★★★) was released in 2019, and as soon as the swirling organ kicks in and the power chords burst out, I was won over. This is confident, soulful music with brassy arrangements and undeniable hooks. It just never lets go. Gabi's melodies are convincing and effortless, whether she goes for propulsive energy of soulful punk ("Lady Matador") or does something more wistful and introspective ("Down By The Waterside"). There is even time for a blistering guitar solo that can be heard during the intense fade-out of the closing "Ravens And Angels".
Cockerel (★★★★), last year's follow-up, is just as good. "Bad Boy Bird" is a classic opener that mixes rockabilly energy, Beatlesque melodies, Dexys Midnight Runners' playfulness and a line that brings up Mayakovsky. What is not to like? Once again, she is consistent and she never overstays her welcome. The anthemic "Never Never" is a heady pop song, and "I Can't Win" reaches orgasmic heights during the chorus. What else is there to say, really? Great musicianship, another excellent guitar solo (towards the end of "Angel Of 3rd Ave"), and a verbose piano ballad to finish things off. "Our Dying World" is both disarming and a little over-serious, but Jesus what a tune.
Should Gabi Garbutt be huge? She should, but that is a misleading question. Her music is good for what it actually is, and there is no question that it should get a wider recognition. Here's hoping that it happens, and that when it does happen, it will take nothing away from her appeal and her songwriting talent.
"Heat Of The Machine" comes from her first album. If you start your morning playing this song, the day won't let you down (also, bonus points for crowbarring Old-Fashioned into the chorus).
