Photo by Ali Beaudette

Sometimes the lowest of the lows will eventually lead you to an epiphany. “Dallas”, the latest preview from Gouge Away’s forthcoming return effort, Deep Sage, feeds from the bottom and grows into an example of what a progressive hardcore band can grow into with their sound when giving themselves the permission of time and space to live with their emotions as well as creative process. Tracing its gestation with the Floridian-raised band years back to a soundcheck in Dallas before hitting pause after supporting 2018’s breakthrough, Burnt Sugar, it’s one of Gouge Away’s more complex, inward turns, sanding down the coarse, grungy exteriors of recent listens “Idealized” and “Stuck In A Dream” in favor of a simmering subconscious that allows themselves room to breathe in thought. “Far away from everything / Suddenly learned that dying was the cruelest thing / I could ever do to somebody who would miss me / But I can’t stop feeling / Absent.” Vocalist Christina Michelle’s darkest ideations hit hard even though she and the band are sedated by the realization, having found a balance of light in acknowledging rock bottom when you see it.

Directed by: Caleb Gowett

Gouge Away’s Deep Sage will be released March 15th on Deathwish Inc.