NJ hardcore heavyweights, GEL, have released their highly anticipated new EP, Persona, out today via Blue Grape Music. Persona captures the band evolving and embracing a bold sound without sacrificing even an ounce of the primal energy that makes their music so special.
Early singles “Persona” and “Mirage” drew from the likes of Stereogum, The FADER, BrooklynVegan, Revolver Magazine, Alternative Press, and more, and now longtime fans and new listeners alike can fully experience the latest chapter of GEL’s ultra-visceral hardcore.
Last year GEL released their debut full-length, Only Constant, drawing acclaim from fans and critics alike (including praise from Pitchfork, NPR, Stereogum, The FADER, Revolver Magazine, Kerrang, NME, and many more) and skyrocketing them into the ranks of aggressive music’s most exciting new groups. Persona proves the band won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Along with producer/engineer Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, Jivebomb), the band worked more collaboratively than ever before, tapping into the creative confidence gained through relentless touring to push themselves in new directions.
“We really wanted to fill out the songs more and make them more nuanced,” explains vocalist Sami Kaiser. “It’s a step forward, it’s different, it’s catchy, but it still really sounds like us.” The result is a widescreen version of GEL’s urgent, stomping hardcore that only amplifies their innate ferocity.
2024 is shaping up to be a huge year for GEL, in addition to the release of Persona, they’ve been touring relentlessly and are gearing up for a massive North American headliner with support from MSPAINT, Destiny Bond, and The Mall.
Upcoming Shows:
08/16 New York, NY @ Rough Trade
9/10 Washington DC @ Atlantis *
9/11 Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room *
9/12 Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground *
9/14 St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill Duck Room +
9/15 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s +
9/16 Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge +
9/18 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry +
9/19 Cudahy, WI @ X Ray Arcade +
9/20-9/22 Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
9/24 Detroit, MI @ Edgemen Printing +
9/25 Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups +
9/27 Louisville, KY @ Louder than Life
9/28 Little Rock, AR @ Banging In The Rock
9/29 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Upstairs +
9/30 Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room +
10/2 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
10/03 Las Vegas, NV @ Eagle Aerie Hall +
10/4 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey +
10/5 San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar +
10/7 Seattle, WA, @ Madame Lou’s +
10/8 Portland, OR @ Mission Theater
10/10 Sacramento, CA- Aftershock
10/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court +
10/13 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater +
10/15 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck +
10/17 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop +
10/18 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church +
10/19 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom +
10/21 Boston, MA @ The Sinclair *
11/02 San Diego, CA @ Dia De Los Deftones
+ w/ MSPAINT, Destiny Bond, The Mall
* w/ MSPAINT, Destiny Bond
