Gloin “make driving, dark post-punk” (BrooklynVegan), adding noise rock and industrial elements to their music as they tackle themes of bewilderment, dread and anger. Using bombastic rhythmic constructs, savvy arrangements and fervid melodies, the Toronto outfit put forth solemn tracks about perseverance and self-determination that are cleverly subverted through sarcastic commentary, courtesy of their sense of humor. For things to come, the four-piece continue to refine their unique sound by way of All of your anger is actually shame (and I bet that makes you angry), a new raucous offering scheduled for March 28th, 2025 via Mothland.
Formed in 2018 by John Watson (guitar, vocals), Vic Byers (bass, vocals), Simon Kou (drums, vocals) and Richard Garnham (synthesizers, guitar), the project was at the onset a means for the longtime friends to convey their shared passion for engaging and visceral live performance. Over the years, Gloin embarked on a handful of North American tours, performing at noteworthy events such as SXSW, Freakout Fest, New Colossus, Sled Island, Treefort Music Fest, West Fest, and FME, while also sharing the stage with international acts such as Snapped Ankles, Osees, Amyl & the Sniffers, Brian Jonestown Massacre, A Place to Bury Strangers, Orville Peck, Moon Duo, and Night Beats. Through and through, they have put precedence on delivering unforgettable concerts, rife with improvisation and experimentation, the musicians trusting their instincts that louder is better, in turn offering cathartic live sets that showcase “a gripping sound that [calls] to mind artists like Dummy and Yoo Doo Right” (Paste).
Gloin self-released their introductory EP Soft Monster on April 18th, 2019. For their first full-length, We Found This (October 21st, 2022 via Mothland), they elected to print alongside up-and-coming studio wizard Dylan Frankland of Tallies, later turning to music visionary Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck, METZ, Alvvays, etc.) for the mix. Drawing inspiration from Sonic Youth’s nonchalant verve and Lightning Bolt’s aggressive musical approach, their debut album is flush with patented pop melodies and beautifully noisy arrangements, supported by a distorted rhythm section that offers plenty of urgency, but also soothing grooves. Exclaim! had this to say about the long-player: “Not many albums have the power to transport you into a completely new frame of mind — whether sinister or joyful — within its first few seconds, but We Found This, the debut full-length from [Gloin] does exactly that.”
Along with the announcement of All of your anger is actually shame (and I bet that makes you angry), Gloin are to unveil lead single “controlfreak69” on January 14th, 2025 via Montreal imprint Mothland. Described by the Toronto post-punks as “dancey, but scary”, this forthcoming sophomore full-length album is highly recommended for fans of Gilla Band, FACS, Chat Pile, Model/Actriz, or The Psychotic monks.
CONTACT:
QC: MARILYNE@MOTHLAND.COM
CAN/US: JULIANA@MOTHLAND.COM
Albums
Shows
Video
Press
“There’s a psychedelic, throwback haze that surrounds noisy Toronto quartet Gloin with laconic, distorted guitar riffs and John Watson’s reverb-heavy falsetto vocals. Their seamless shifts from laidback stoner grooves to wall-of-sound maelstrom help them stand out from Toronto’s burgeoning psych scene, not to mention their glitzy live setup, complete with matching white jumpsuits and light-up “GLOIN” sign. ”
“ We Found This is a claustrophobic, pounding , propulsive listen. While elsewhere layers of fuzz build on each other, “Winter Abroad” is the albums hypnotic, chiming moment of calm.”
“We Found This (Mothland), is like an invitation into a parallel universe, a cross between a Lynchian nightmare of optical illusions that stalk you or shaking hands with a cosmic entity that enjoys laughing at your confusion.”
“We Found This is an unforgettable and energetic foray into experimental psych-rock. Gloin seems to have tapped into something that’s opened up the entire universe for their sonic exploration, and it’s clear this talented band has many more exciting adventures ahead.”
Landmark Events
Shared stage with
A Place To Bury Strangers, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Orville Peck, Moon Duo
Snapped Ankles, Meatbodies, Night Beats, Teke :: Teke, Bodega
Amyl & The Sniffers, Osees