"I Think There's A Bit Of Everything": GUNS FOR GIRLS Talk New EP "Guilty Pleasures"

[photo: Guns For Girls]

Alt rock trio GUNS FOR GIRLS have recently released their latest EP, "Guilty Pleasures". The four track EP sees the band channel a variety of influences, resulting in a grungy, alt-rock tinged final product.

Following the release of the EP, I spoke to the band about the tracks and what went into them.

R: It's been just under a fortnight since you released "Guilty Pleasures". How has the reaction been so far? 

Carl (bass/backing vocals): Extremely positive from Critics and fans. The interesting thing is, all 4 songs are a bit different and everyone seems to have a different favourite.

"It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone caught between living in the moment and grappling with the weight of their desires."

There's a lot of classic rock influences and homages in the EP. Did you have any key inspirations when writing the tracks?

C: It's tricky to nail it down. Between the three of, we have a varied range of artists that have left an imprint on us over the years, from the earlier rock/Metal bands like Queen, Maiden and Sabbath through the "Grunge" era to more modern alternative acts such as Royal Blood/QOTSA/Biffy/Frank Carter. I think there's a bit of everything in all the tracks.

Dylan (drums): Apart from channeling my inner Dave Grohl/Mike Bordin on the tracks like "Bruises" and "One Bad Move", I usually just go with the flow, see what works and eventually settle on what I think works for the song.

Music video for "One Bad Move" [cred. Guns For Girls]

"Sodium" is my favourite to play, the shift in dynamics between verse and chorus is a lot fun. "OBM" is a great workout, going full pelt with lots of fast fills. "Bruises" feels like a dark and heavy AIC Dirt album track. And "Deep" just flows nice from start to end.

Gavin (vocals/guitars/keys): All of the tracks are different pulling from various influences we have. I love bands who can diversify within albums like Queen and Faith No More. Perhaps we’re not quite as extreme genre changing as those acts, but we allow the songs to come out as they do organically. If it sounds good then it that’s ok.

"All 4 songs are a bit different and everyone seems to have a different favourite"

The release doesn't have a title track - how did the name "Guilty Pleasures" come about?

G: "Guilty Pleasures" is a reoccurring theme throughout the EP and a line in the song "Deep". The theme of the EP tackles the internal conflict between what’s considered socially acceptable and the indulgence in the taboo. 

It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone caught between living in the moment and grappling with the weight of their desires.

"Guilty Pleasures" is out now [photo: Guns For Girls]

For anyone that hasn't heard of you, which track (or tracks) from your discography would you recommend people go away and listen to? 

C: All of them! Haha. Take your pic. Our most listened-to track is "Where is the Sun", from our debut Album, "Blood Harmonies".

If you like a cover of a song with a difference, check out our take on "Running Up That Hill" [originally by Kate Bush]. 

Dylan - If I was going to recommend a "typical" Guns For Girls track it would be "Where is the Sun?", I think it encapsulates our overall sound in one tidy package.

Music video for "Running Up That Hill" [cred. Guns For Girls]

And lastly, what's your favourite gig memory?

G: We love playing at interesting places. There’s this really quirky, cool venue in Stourbridge called Claptrap. Hundreds of vintage lampshades hang down from the ceiling with mismatched seating and an amazing stage. An audience who appreciates live music every week, no matter what genre. 

Also Percy’s in Whitchurch is a special place. A bizarre interior full of strange antiques and oddities. Even a stuffed white tiger in the dressing room! Always an awesome sound there!

Listen to "Guilty Pleasures" NOW on all streaming platforms