Vancouver’s Gob have gone through many changes over the years. Initially regarded as Canada’s strongest entry in the second wave of pop-punk ushered in by the likes of Green Day and Blink-182, this randy quartet has had its fair share of ups and downs since its inception in 1994. As a result, fans have seen them transform from snotty street kids singing about the most banal of subject matter to radio-friendly rock stars.
More recently, though, the soda-addicted quartet has been sporting a different face. Vocalist-guitarist Tom Thacker, drummer Gabe Mantle, guitarist Theo Goutznakis and bassist Tyson Maiko — the band’s greenhorn — have become elder statesmen of their beloved genre, surviving lineup changes, management shifts and multiple label moves (from Mint/Lookout! to Nettwerk, Arista and now Aquarius) over the past 13 years.
These trials and tribulations have produced a steely, mature band. While the sound of latest release Muertos Vivos is still consistent with Gob’s past four-chord infectiousness, the effort has a darker atmosphere than most fans would expect. Intensifying the shock, Muertos Vivos ends the band’s four-year silence, which saw rumours of breakups flourish. As Thacker explains, though, despite the gossip, the band was still quite active.
“We never broke up or took a hiatus, contrary to popular belief,” he says. “It was just that a lot of things happened and we needed a breather. We had songs together and we could have put out an album right after (2003’s) Foot in Mouth Disease, but our bassist left, we changed managers and left Arista. Everything added up and it took time to recover from that. We were playing the odd show here and there, but overall, we had to regroup and figure out where we were headed.”
Thacker and crew have found their direction — Muertos Vivos is a surprisingly strong effort that finds the band dabbling in sinister undertones, a heavier backbone, accomplished guitar solos and fewer candy-coated melodies than in the past. Even on the first listen, it’s obvious that the barrage of setbacks they’ve endured since 2003 have indelibly altered their musical stance.
“Some songs are from four years ago but most of the material is new,” says Thacker. “I guess there was something cathartic in writing this record, and we had to get it all out. Apparently that took a few years in total. I also think that we’ve grown as musicians during that time, which is why the album is a bit more involved. When we’re going to record an album, we just use what we’re most excited about in order to make the record we want to make. We’re not the kind of band to sit down to write something then and there. We didn’t really notice that this is a dark album — melodic but dark — but it has to do with the negative things that had happened to us personally and with the world. These are pretty bleak times for humanity right now.”
Despite the shift in sonic style, Thacker is quick to point out that as far as the band’s overall personality goes, fans should expect the same old Gob. He notes that the release of Muertos Vivos, the forging of a relationship with Aquarius and the addition of Maiko on bass all point to a positive end.
“Sure we had to deal with some issues over the past few years,” he says, “and that has taken somewhat of a toll, but there’s still optimism and fun in what we do. We’re not going out to be a ‘serious’ rock band or a ‘fun’ rock act. We just happen to be one. Our shows are still enjoyable because we’re enjoying ourselves. It’s good to notice negative things with the world, talk about them and offer positive solutions, but you have to have fun, too. Otherwise, you’re never going to be able to apply yourself in making a change for the better. For us, this new record has a serious side, but it’s still fun to get out there and play.”
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