A Chat with The Gilhoolys (23.02.26)
Inspired by the likes of The Who, David Bowie, Placebo, The Jam and the Pixies, Scottish group The Gilhoolys make their return to the scene after a couple of decades, and with some well-deserved critical acclaim. Originally strutting their stuff in the 1990s, The Gilhoolys bring their old stuff to a new audience by opening a new chapter in their musical journey. We speak with vocalist Paul Devlin about their return, new album, The Truth Is Not Your Enemy, and much more.
OSR: The Gilhoolys were originally formed in the early 1990s before shutting shop, so to say, but we saw a return to the music world about 20 years later with ‘Star’. Why the hiatus, and how did this return come about?
Devlin: We originally decided to split back in the late nineties due to different levels of commitment, and I guess ambition. Although at that point we were getting very good respect and opportunities, we were going in some differing directions in life from each other. We were known as a reliable and passionate band, but we needed to take a bigger step, and when the opportunity arose to tour the US on the College tour promo and possibly abroad and Europe, it created a dilemma for the band members.
The return came about after one of the original band members threw an open invite out to the band, and we had a chat and agreed to do a rehearsal. Only one of the original members refused (Hoss Kane- bass player), and at the rehearsal, we invited our long-time bass-playing friend, James (Cliffy) Clifford, to help us out. I have to say it sounded even better than originally, and then we arranged another rehearsal. It was when we rehearsed at Main St Studios in Coatbridge, Glasgow, that the owner of the record label (Main St Records) heard our new stuff and asked if we wanted to release on their label. What happened next is now history.
OSR: When your track ‘Star’ gained such critical acclaim with rave reviews, airplay and chart-topping stature, how did you feel about the response? Was it a shocked awe or just the chuffed brush of your shoulder with a swaggerish grin?
Devlin: 😄 Yes, it was most definitely shock and awe. I was never meant to be too serious, and we didn’t have massive expectation but the song just seemed to resonate with so many different people and different kinds of music genres. We were unsure whether it was going to be ‘Star’ or another new song, ‘Jack Ruby’, as the first single. After a long chat with Cliffy and hearing the final mastered version, we went with ‘Star’. Hearing its release was great and all the radio play, but the overwhelming feeling was seeing it hit #1 on the Indie Chart. It very rapidly became a fan favourite at our gigs.
OSR: You recently released your album, The Truth Is Not Your Enemy. What can you tell us about the album? Is there an overarching theme, a backstory, or just a bunch of songs plastered together in a pretty album packaging?
Devlin: There is a theme behind this album and was written as a concept album. I worked very closely and remotely with engineer and producer at Main St Records, Andy Anderson. I think we got the best out of each other. He’s a clever technician but was never slow to challenge me to express myself further or try what may have previously felt like challenges out of my comfort zone.
The album tells the story of life and how innocent we are as children and growing up in loving environments, then onto some adulthood and awakenings, then, of course, onto realisation of what the world really is today. From the opening song ‘Little Glasgow Boy’, which tells the story of growing up in a tough city but feeling the warmth of the people and the character of them, and understanding how they automatically fought for everything they had.
It goes on to narrate songs such as the album title song ‘The truth is not your enemy’, which comments on why opinions, fact and reality are not quite the priority in the cold life of today’s governments and power plays. ‘Parasitic Stereotypic’ reveals how we live in a paradox-like state of hopelessness and control, and how many people expect success rather than earn it and fight for it. They give up because they have not been given it, rather than deserve it.
The album moves on to songs like ‘Punch’ and ‘Days Like This’ explain that choice belongs to us all and that fighting against odds, control and oppression is right and just as well as commendable and admirable. To be fair, it has pretty packings and design too, though.
OSR: What do you hope people take from the album, and what does it mean to you?
Devlin: I sincerely hope people take some sort of empathy, resilience and of course their own hope from the album. As a working-class born and bred songwriter from Glasgow, I understand and have experienced many tough challenges, but have chosen my outlet for rebellion to the current day lack of humanity and corruption in the music I write and play. It’s not overly political, just a fact-based realisation of what we are allowing to occur in front of our very eyes and the fact that by doing and saying nothing, not only encourages this grossly inhumane behaviour from governments, but makes us complicit in their very actions. If that message got through to 5% of people who bought or will buy the album, I will consider that success.
OSR: 30 years since The Gilhoolys first took the stage. Do you feel your sound is more mature now, and do you think The Truth Is Not Your Enemy is more representative of you as a band?
Devlin: Most definitely, both of those statements apply. I think we are more mature in expectations and the construction of songs, and also in the fact that, probably for the first time ever in an album release, these songs are more representative of me as a composer/writer/musician. The Gilhoolys has always had a distinctive style of music which some have referred to as a mix of “indie meets rock meets Celtic rock meets alternative meets light grunge”. Some may see that as complimentary, and to an extent I do, but it is quite eclectic without the intent. The written words define the musical composition for me. In essence, we have recycled the sound by returning to a raw, passionate and instinctive collection of new songs on this album. We have taken the best of what we know, to create with our producer Andy Anderson, what I can only describe as being the best of what we are.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Devlin: Everything. My earliest memories are of my dad showing off my skills at knowing songs and artists by name just by looking at records. At around 2, I couldn’t yet read or write but knew the track and artist. My daughter is the same and is doing her master’s in music composition at the RCS in Glasgow. It’s in the blood and people who truly know me, realise and know I’ve given it everything I’ve got. It’s an outlet, escape and genuinely lives in your soul.
OSR: If you could have a chat with your younger self, what advice would you give them?
Devlin: Don’t rush in. Be careful who you trust.
OSR: Do you have any advice for new musicians entering the industry?
Devlin: Be humble and be kind. It will help, trust me. Make sure everyone you connect with in music is on the same page and you can be good friends. You spend a lot of time together creating which can be very testing. Make sure you’re all prepared for that challenge. Time is important.
OSR: What can we expect from The Gilhoolys in the future?
Devlin: Time will tell I guess, but we are a real band, a very good band with very good songs. I would like to make memories and create great memories by making and playing great music and be remembered for being relevant and esteemed both as a band and a writer. We have worked ever so hard for that.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Devlin: Try listen to all our music and of course our new album. Now you have the background, maybe the songs will hold a bit more meaning and take on more relevance. Oh, and watch this space and come see us live. Thank you.
Many thanks to Paul Devlin for speaking with us. Find out more about The Gilhoolys on their Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
