Photo by Ellenbphotography
Gabby Rivers’ new EP, What is the problem?, is a seven-track that cements her sound. Loud alt-rock feels more sure of itself than ever, resulting in a punchy atmosphere that brings together the crunch and fuzz of guitars with cathartic, relatable lyricism.
Raw production perpetuates a growling instrumental undertone, above which Gabby takes centre stage as a confident front woman, controlling the atmosphere as she effortlessly dives between bubbling confidence and shattered vulnerability. Tension simmers as explosive attitudes give way to more tempered routes towards the all-powerful alt-rock climaxes. Betrayal, relationships and reflection have all come into the writing process of What is the problem? and much of its writing and themes stem from the healing process.
Gabby explains, “This EP has been a long time coming, after releasing my EP in 2023 I found it was full of different genres and I did not know where my creative direction was heading, I felt like I had a music identity crisis, I didn’t know who I wanted to be as an artist, what I wanted to create or how I wanted to sound. I took most of 2024 off as an artist, I barely did any shows or any releases because I wanted to write, create and figure out what I wanted. Allowing that breathing space allowed me to create What is the problem? The EP I have always wanted to create, the sound I have always wanted to make, the artist I was inspired by growing up, merged into an EP. It felt like the band and everyone involved understood the vision and ran with it.”
Performing at festivals across the UK and selling out shows across the South East, the Suffolk artist, now backed by a complete and talented five-piece, has received plenty of attention towards this EP. Earning editorial acclaim and support slots alongside fellow up-and-comers if she hadn’t solidified her rising star reputation before, she certainly has now.
Listen here:
