14 Nov 2024
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Psycho Gab - Single Review: Messy

25 May 2023 // A review by Danica Bryant

Auckland five-piece Psycho Gab make their mark on the local music scene with their debut single, Messy. Fusing neo-soul and R&B into an engaging, easily consumable number, it's an exciting introduction to the band.

Messy is filled with joyous, jazzy drums, dreamy keys and sweeping melodies. The band's lead singer lets their soul shine through on every line with impressive control and expressivity. "We can't settle into complacency", comes the belted lyric before a chorus filled with thrilling new flourishes. It's a track that is constantly unpredictable without losing its familiarity. Even better, the musical content aligns with what's being said. Messy narrates a celebration of complicated relationships, both to others and ourselves, and its production is appropriately all over the place in the best way.

The song's absolute highlight is its closing minute. Flirting with key changes, it's dissonant and experimental, toying with audience expectations right when they might start thinking they know what's going on. The closing lyric, "I was lost but now I'm found", moves up and down scales in a manner that ensures you can hear Psycho Gab's impressive musicianship.

When Messy is over, listeners will be left with an intense craving to hear more, more, more from Psycho Gab! Keep an eye out for their future releases and live shows, as this single proves they're an act not to be missed.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Psycho Gab

Formed in early 2023, Psycho Gab is the force that challenges everything you thought you knew about good music. A five-piece, neo-soul band based in Tamaki Makaurau, the group have cultivated a unique sound that forms a crossroads between soul, RnB, jazz and pop, leaving endless possibilities of smooth grooves up for exploration.

Their debut single Messy was released in 2023 and saw love from across Aotearoa (95bFM, Radio One). The self-recorded, produced, mixed and mastered single explores the complexities and insecurities of modern relationships through raw and honest lyrics, flanked by a tight ensemble of jazzy keys, smooth guitars, playful bass licks and driving drum grooves.

The group have since been illustrating their passionate kaupapa of putting on spectacular shows with artists they love. In 2023 the collective saw gigs with Casual Healing (Half Cast), SPDRTWNBBY, Na’amah Cheiban (WIJ), Jordyn With A Why, Bub, Elisa, and more. With an exciting year ahead and fresh music on its way shortly, now is the time to basque in the soulful, smooth, and ultimately epic sounds of Psycho Gab.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Psycho Gab

Releases

Crazy Talk
Year: 2024
Type: EP
Messy (Stems)
Year: 2023
Type: Album

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