Strange Futures: GumShoe Makes Emphatic Statement with Powerful Debut EP

In listening to the debut EP ‘Strange Futures’ by the melodic Batavia punk band GumShoe, you can’t help but get the sense there’s something transformative taking place.

From the exclamatory first note of the record’s opening song, ‘Something’s Got to Give,’ it’s as if the band is making some emphatic statement that it’s not fucking around.

Of course, that’s not to suggest by any means that GumShoe in its previous work was somehow meandering. This is a band that’s always been full throttle. But throughout the entirety of its new five-song release which dropped today on streaming platforms, there’s no question that GumShoe has not only hit its stride as a band, it’s climbed to a new level altogether.

“We’re so damn proud of this EP,” said bassist Todd Townsend. “We really poured everything into it.”

And it shows.

Recorded and mixed by renowned engineer/producer Jay Zubricky of GCR Audio in Buffalo, co-produced by Kevin Sampson and mastered by Brian Moore at Tones Studio in Rochester, there is not a weak moment on this record.

‘Strange Futures’ is a potent and energetic wave of sound, featuring searing and anthemic guitar work by Tim McJury, whose catchy and assertive riffs are propelled by GumShoe’s dynamic rhythm section made up of Townsend and drummer Dan Eick, who together expertly fuel the EP’s unrelenting tempo.

Picking up where it left off with 2024’s finely crafted single, Monster Bitch, ‘Strange Futures’ further continues to demonstrate GumShoe’s elevated songwriting. And while the band’s pop-punk origins remain here, GumShoe ventures with significant success into heavier rock and post-punk terrain on the new EP. Moving forward, that new-found power only stands to increase with the addition of Brennan Blowers, a second guitarist who joined the band’s line-up permanently after the record was tracked.

GumShoe

“We didn’t limit our sound to one specific genre,” said McJury. “So, it felt freeing to just write and say, ‘Sounds good; let’s get it on the record!’ without hesitation, instead of stressing over whether it was ‘our sound.’ I think most of us took a step towards more challenging riffs and tones that we have always wanted to play but felt held back by our time and abilities. This time, we didn’t shy away from something because we might have to practice it over and over. It was fun to find our limits and explore beyond them. That’s where ‘Strange Futures’ comes from: We don’t know what the next single or EP will sound like and that’s kinda the new Gumshoe — strange but exciting and you just kinda hope people will want to rock out with it.”

Townsend agreed, saying there was a concerted effort by the band during the making of ‘Strange Futures’ not to rush the process.

“We wanted to release a whole 10-song album when we first started booking the studio. But we wanted to take the time on each song to make them really come together,” Townsend said. “So, the time we had planned for writing a whole album turned into writing our five best songs. We’re in our late 30’s and Dan just turned 40, so we’re just writing music that makes us feel something. If we cross genres, so be it.”

Eick’s drumming especially stands out on the new EP. His playing is ferocious yet controlled, applied with a precision that drives the music’s breakneck pace while maintaining its tightness throughout.

“I personally learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of on this EP – from more double-bass pedal action, to just vibing to vibrations,” Eick said. “We really allowed ourselves to open up. You can feel our personality in our music. When I'm writing drum parts, I really listen to the vocal and bass parts. I never intend to block out or take over anything. ‘K-I-S-S: Keep it Simple Stupid.’ I just highlight on what beautiful music they come up with.”

“Dan’s literally the best,” Townsend said. “He’s the greatest blessing and I’m so lucky to have him as my friend, let alone my full-time-forever drummer. He’s stuck to my hip forever and he knows it! (laughs) His attention to detail in the songwriting process is unmatched, and he really let loose on this EP.”

“I love the new feel of the new EP,” said Eick. “Todd and I are so locked in and just keep getting better. Tim's lyrics and ultimate guitar riffs keep it exciting. I love writing with these guys. I can't wait to share this EP with everyone! There’s a little taste for everyone, and it’s an absolute blast to play. We really found our sound and style.”

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GumShoe will celebrate the new record with a free 18+ album release show at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Batavia Downs. The bill includes The Alumni and Matches Malone.