Gavial – Thanks, I Hate It
Release Date: 23rd January 2026
Label: Exile On Mainstream
Bandcamp
Genre: Psychedelic Blues, Grunge, Post-Rock.
FFO: All Them Witches, Screaming Trees, Giant Sand, Sweet Cobra, The Antikaroshi, Colour Haze.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Gavial have followed up their previous album, ‘VOR’, with another slab of psychedelic blues, tinged with a post-rock vibe. Yes, the band has changed name and members over its 15plus year existence, but the result is that you are presented with a very professional and deliberate listen in the shape of Thanks, I Hate It.
The album title is a misnomer. You won’t hate this. There is nothing much to hate about it. Each track is well presented, with a strong vocal performance by Benjamin Butter who is ably supported by the rest of the band.
The album does have a strong resemblance to indie bands, and to be more precise, the UK Britpop scene. But it rises above that mediocre genre with grandiose moments the likes that Oasis could never reach. The album opener, ‘Control’ takes control of your attention (pun intended with no apology) and as it grows and develops, you are drawn in. ‘Grow’ delves into blues/rock territory that tickles the long-dead grunge underbelly. Not quite entrancing, it does dominate your attention.
The subtle grunge nods are there. Think Screaming Trees presented with a Britpop vibe by a German psychedelic blues band, and you get Gavial. You have a band that have honed their sound and who have delivered an album that they want you to hear.
Sadly, Thanks, I Hate It never really develops into ‘I Love It’. It is a decent, solid listen and that is it. Nothing really quite stands out. While a few tracks lull you in, it never quite dominates your attention. You can drift, you may reach for your phone to check out the latest Metal Epidemic Spotify playlist update, but you will drift.
Whilst it’s not disappointing, you are left with a feeling of what could have been.
(3 / 5)
