The Gilhoolys – Bad Routine (2025)
Who says the past can’t be enjoyed again? Who says once things go by, that’s it, no more? Well, whoever said that hadn’t heard of the Scottish group The Gilhoolys. Originally formed in the early 1990s, they began sharing their passion for music with audiences; however, life came along, and circumstances occurred where stuff got pushed to the side. For The Gilhoolys, it was music. Yet, the burning embers of musical passion in their soul didn’t turn to cold ashes, and in 2020, the group reunited – kind of like Lazarus, returning from the dead to astound onlookers. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘Bad Routine’.
Following the well-received 2024 single, ‘The Passing Of Time’, ‘Bad Routine’ brings Celtic-inspired indie-rock passion across our desk and blasts through our speakers. Produced with Andy Anderson at Main St Records, ‘Bad Routine’ continues The Gilhoolys’ rush of 90s-inspired indie-rock and grunge; however, it seems more upbeat than ‘The Passing Of Time’ – a sort of “less drudgery, more excitement” attitude.
Beautifully textured, the bold bass matches crashing drums and a dynamic lead guitar like an entwined sonic tapestry. Harmonic and elegant, the tune swims in your soul and keeps you attentive, but also allows you to drift along a wave of kaleidoscopic music. For me, it is Paul Devlin’s rich vocals that act as a guide on the journey, holding your hand with a great grin and a bit of a cheeky wink.
The thing is, while ‘Bad Routine’ is a melodic symphony with a laidback charm, the track is actually one of defiance; an optimistic anthem for resilience, strength, and empowerment. Devlin notes that ‘Bad Routine’ looks at “The way we succumb to unbelievable corruption… No matter how many times you fall, refuse to stay down or silent.”
So, overall, what is my opinion of ‘Bad Routine’ and The Gilhoolys? You instantly identify the maturity of the band and the brilliance of Andy Anderson in a honed, polished and sophisticated tune. It’s fun and easy on the ears, but has a powerful underlying message that adds weightiness to the track. As for The Gilhoolys: a band that I am so pleased made a comeback, offering a sometimes-dull indie-rock landscape something fresh but familiar.
Find out more about The Gilhoolys on their Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablcurator
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