Formed on the streets of Paris back in 2007 Guttercats released their debut album in 2009 fast forward to 2025 and the apocalyptic ‘Rise And Fall’ kicks off with the semi-acoustic spaghetti western rock n roller and title track that wheezes into town before kicking on down the line with an uptempo middle eight before gently coming to a stand still in fine fashion with Guts warm and engaging tones as he sets the tone for whats to come.

Mixing classic Jacobites, Sudden, Kusworth, Gun Club and a whole wealth of other influences Guttercats ooze quality and style with a gentle swagger and some well-worn rock n roll slippers dragging their Cuban heels as the ‘Aliens Are Back’ mixes in some Bowie and Reid for good measure. The arrangments are well considered and recorded perfectly Guttercats have a swagger and air of confidence with their music and their use of violins, acoustic and electric guitars is exquisite and songs like ‘Lament In The Night’ have quality and class pouring out of them at every verse and chorus.

The piano-driven ‘Everything I Touch’ will have you leaning into the speakers hanging off every gothic word as the violins add another flavour whilst the rockier ‘Beautiful Curse’ has touches of Bauhaus in their pomp and the solo is wonderfully crafted.

‘All Fall Down’ sees the band charge it up before a smooth and romantic ‘If You Love Me’ swoons with its wheezing organ for a real highlight on an already excellent record. Guttercats have exceeded expectations here with a mature and grande record that meanders lifts and falls with style and some excellent songs.

The album closes with the acoustic rocker ‘Wishing On A World’ that fills the void left by some quality old school and sadly long gone rockers evoking images of Kusworth and Sudden and Sylvain and Thunders all giving it a standing ovation while Bowie nods approvingly. It is a thoroughly enjoyable album from a band who’ve got better with each album and matured like a fine French Wine mixing uptempo rock and roll with more laid-back darker balladeering and they do it with a unique style that draws you in and calls you back for more. Dim the lights and let Guttercats take the strain with one of the finest albums so far in 2025. Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley