Gouge Away released one of 2024’s best records, Deep Sage, and to say this is more of the same yields more of a “hell yeah” than an exasperated sigh. That record signaled a dramatic leap forward in creativity for a band that had already carved out a lane in the scene. Christina Michelle is still one of the most compelling vocalists in hardcore, going from singing the verses to screaming the catchy chorus, and the band continues to weave in 1990s influences into their melodic hardcore.
If anything, “Figurine” is perhaps even a little prettier in the verses than the highlights of Deep Sage. However, the towering chorus is as explosive as anything they have ever written. With the tenth anniversary of their debut record upon us, “Figurine” is a thrilling point of comparison, illustrating how Gouge Away have evolved into one of the most exciting guitar-centered bands making music today.