Glastonbury 2025 is shaping up better than we could have hoped, and after digging through the thousands of performances listed as taking place over the five days of the festival one band is guaranteed to deliver a visceral, unforgettable performance: Gurriers…. who are playing Woodsies at 12:30 on Sunday lunchtime.
We first saw the band purely by chance at 2000Trees a few years ago, and they literally (sorry, ‘figuratively’) blew our socks off!
They are now probably our favoiurite Irish quintet, and fresh off the success of their debut album ‘Come and See,’ they’re set to (again, figuratively) set the festival on fire with a ferocious and yet enticing melenge of noise-rock, experimental punk, and fiercely honest lyricism. If you haven’t yet plunged into the world of Gurriers (and if you are lucky enough to have a ticket) then now’s the time, because their Glastonbury debut is going to be seismic.
Hailing from Dublin, Gurriers – comprised of Dan Hoff (vocals), Ben O’Neill (guitar), Mark MacCormack (guitar), Charlie McCarthy (bass), and Pierce O’Callaghan (drums) – have been building a formidable reputation for their explosive live shows and their ability to capture the zeitgeist with thrilling authenticity.
Frontman Dan Hoff revealed in an interview that their formation just before COVID meant the whole project was “…very ambitious from the start,” and despite the lockdowns, it was the “strength of the songs” that kept them engaged.
The band had their first gig at Dublin’s Workmans Club on Halloween 2021 to a sold-out crowd, a moment that Dan recollects: “cemented into all of us that we could do it and make it work, it’s not just another hobby, this seemed different.”
Their sound is a captivating one that whizzes up a smoothie flavoured with sharp, melodic punk infused with a raw, almost visceral energy.
Mark perfectly encapsulates their musical philosophy: “We wanted to take noise rock and experimental guitar elements and writing pop music with it. We want to give you harsh sounds but then a catchy chorus at the end.” This approach results in what one reviewer called a “thrilling and joyous cacophony of sweatshod psych punk,” creating “new soundscapes, similar to bands like IDLES and Fontaines DC, making sense instead of nonsense.”
Their debut album, ‘Come and See,’ released in September 2024, is a testament to their prowess. Recorded at The Nave in Leeds with the acclaimed Alex Greaves, it’s described as “a thrilling ride, sharp melodic punk delivered with vibrancy and passion.” Tracks like ‘Nausea’ showcase an old-school punk ferocity, while ‘Des Goblin’ cleverly critiques modern narcissism. ‘Prayers’ offers a memorable, poignant line about Catholic guilt in Ireland, demonstrating the band’s willingness to tackle weighty subjects with incisive wit.
The album ‘blasts forth, poking a finger into the hornets’ nest of modernity,’ addressing disillusionment, social media, and contemporary issues with unflinching honesty.
What truly sets Gurriers apart, however, is their authenticity. Dan Hoff’s decision to sing in his own Irish accent was a pivotal moment, making him feel like he could truly “get behind” their music. As he says, “I’m not trying to be a mouthpiece for a generation, I’m just trying to say it how I would to my friends at the pub. The authenticity is important and that is what people latch on to.” This genuine voice allows their anger and disappointment with the world to feel incredibly real and relatable.
Live, Gurriers are an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Reviews of their performances highlight “high energy and killer songs,” with particular praise for Dan’s “killer voice and physical abandonment on stage.” Their gigs are described as “high decibel drama with a clutch of great songs,” …hinting that “Gurriers are the latest medicine for our fucked up world.”
The band aims for their live shows to be immersive and impactful, and they 100% achieve this.
Their ascent has been fueled by a potent mix of talent, hard work, and a genuine desire to create meaningful music. The success of other Irish bands like Fontaines D.C. have served as an inspiration, pushing Gurriers to strive for similar heights.
So, as Glastonbury 2025 draws near, make sure Gurriers are at the very top of your must-see list. Prepare for a performance that’s loud, raw, honest, and utterly exhilarating. This is one “high decibel drama” you won’t want to miss!
