Gouge Away, the formative band in the Florida hardcore scene, is gearing up for the release of their third studio album, Deep Sage, scheduled for release on March 15th via Deathwish Inc. Today marks a significant milestone for the band with the release of a new music video for the album's opener, "Stuck in a Dream." This video offers fans a glimpse into the band's dynamic performance style and sets the tone for the upcoming album.
The journey of Deep Sage began back in 2019, during sound checks and brief intervals between tours. Early in 2020, the band collaborated with Brok Mende in an Orlando, FL storage unit to demo songs. This album is a blend of nostalgia, influenced by the bands Gouge Away grew up listening to, and a fresh sense of urgency, noise, and introspective lyrics. The pandemic in 2020 forced the band into a hiatus, with members focusing on their personal lives. However, the tracks for Deep Sage lived on as digital files, periodically revisited by the band.
The completion of Deep Sage was reignited on New Year's Eve before 2022, with the band deciding to finish the album in Portland, OR. A surprise performance at a Militarie Gun show re-energized their creative process. The album, characterized by the band's signature abrasive sound and expanded melodic elements, was recorded at Atomic Garden East in March 2023 with Jack Shirley. It was produced completely analog and almost entirely live to capture the authentic essence of Gouge Away's music.
The live recording process, particularly for "Stuck in a Dream," was a challenging yet exhilarating experience for the band. Vocalist Christina Michelle emphasizes the raw, unpolished sound they aimed for, capturing the human element in their music. The release of the music video for "Stuck in a Dream" today brings this ethos to the forefront, showcasing the band's commitment to authenticity.
Deep Sage will feature tracks such as "Maybe Blue," "Idealized," and "A Welcome Change," each reflecting the band's introspective and intense musical style. The album is now available for pre-order and pre-save, with its physical release set for March 15, 2024, on Deathwish Inc.
In anticipation of Deep Sage, Gouge Away will perform live on February 24th at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA, joining other prominent bands such as Ceremony, Infest, and Soul Search. This concert represents a pivotal moment for Gouge Away as they continue to assert their influence in the music industry.
Deep Sage will be released on March 15th via Deathwish Inc. Pre-orders are available HERE.
Deep Sage, Track Listing:
- Stuck in a Dream
- Maybe Blue
- Idealized
- Deep Sage
- A Welcome Change
- Overwatering
- No Release
- The Sharpening
- Spaced out
- Newtau
- Dallas
