Fractured and discordant, yet fresh and familiar. That’s the sound of Yonkers, New York’s Guilty Giraffe. A touch of classic Swirlies adventurism, early DIIV guitar sparkle, and MBV guitar overdrive, all mashed together into a compelling whole. We’ve been spinning the enchanting ascending guitar signatures of “Filter” since its November release, and it provided compelling evidence of a band charting their own course through grunge and dream pop. That the two could be stapled together so effectively, as though this was the most obvious thing in the world, well that’s part of their unique charm.
Now they do it again, with giraffe costumes and fire breathers. Because, why not? These are their rules, not yours. We’ve been granted the opportunity to share the new single and video for “Washed Out”, and it’s a corker. A lightly distorted guitar opens onto a chiming guitar refrain that would make DIIV jealous. But that’s mere deception, as the grunge kicks in, and the vocals take on shouted urgency. It’s charm stapled to angst and bitterness. It’s frankly the kind of thing we’re here for. Check the video, we’ll provide some bio below.
Guilty Giraffe started as a project by Mathew McGinnis in Yonkers, New York. With the help of drummer Felipe Reis they formed in 2015. Both members were self-taught musicians. They self-produced and released their debut album, A Time to Slime, in December 2015. They have been classified as post-hardcore and shoegaze by people who spend their time classifying such things. In 2017, they signed to the independent record label Mint 400 Records, releasing multiple DIY projects.
After a playing with many different bassists, and occasionally playing as a 2 piece, the band settled with Will Vellek on bass in early 2018. Reis left the group later that year, and Guilty Giraffe was Joined by Kevin Knebel on drums, and Shane Sumano on bass, with Will taking up 2nd guitar. With a new lineup, and feeling more confident than ever, the band is gearing up to release their new self titled album in February 2020.
The single “Washed Out” is released into the world on 10 January via the Guilty Giraffe Bandcamp site. You can never truly peg what Guilty Giraffe will do with their creative drive, but you can be guaranteed it’ll transfix and amaze you. Their sound, their rules.
If you’re lucky enough to live near New York state, catch them unfurl their sonic storm live:
Connect with Guilty Giraffe on Facebook for further tour dates and release details. Can’t wait to explore the rest of the album!
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