Review: “The Gutters” by Numbskull Narrative

“Conceptually, The Gutters explores the idea of the lowest place; emotionally, socially and spiritually. The gutters are where everything drains; the hidden channels where emotions collect out of sight. They represent the overlooked and unpolished; a gateway to the underground and the parts of ourselves people rarely see.” ~ Numbskull Narrative

Hailing from Galway Ireland, Numbskull Narrative are a Hardcore Punk trio who cross the borders and boundaries of the genre citing influences in Converge, Black Flag, Refused and Glassjaw to name but a few. They formed for years ago and have crafted a pair of EPs which take aim at self-sabotage and toxic rumination, turning overthinking into cathartic, hard hitting anthems, all fuelled by off brand Monster and Protein bars. Those thirteen songs (yes, 13!) coupled with the raw energy of the live shows has been enough to take them the final of Wacken Metal Battle Ireland which takes place in April…

…with that final in mind what better time than March to issue a trio of new tunes to help us breathe more easily? Numbskull Narrative waste no time in creating a siege mentality with a churning, dirge laden bass line rising from a fog of feedback like a like the devil’s hell-hound appearing on the moors. That’s made all the more ominous by a bloodcurdling roar before guitarist Francis Glynn hits us with some distinctive old school Metal riffs like a blacksmith hammering an anvil. The first verse is where the snot nosed angst driven Punk sounds start to come into play but there is so much visceral darkness surrounding them that it beggars belief. How could a trio who’s specialism is Punk Therapy create something so venomous and wrathfully cathartic? It’s like they’ve taken a leaf out of the book of Wolfbastard.

Despite is brighter almost Pop Punk insinuating title “Flying Colours” is cut from the same cloth as the opener with harsh vocals as the bass comes to the forefront of the sound. That makes if far more influential as a rhythm instrument and on par with the guitars during another heavy hitter of an angry anthem. The mid section has a surprising amount of verve and swagger to it, the band clearly very comfortable and confident in their output.

“Monkey Bars” is where the script gets flipped some what, the band returning to their love of bands who made the Tony Hawks Pro Skater soundtracks so good to introduce a little dark melody. The vocals are no less harsh though as drummer Victor Vieira pounds his way through the material with some tasteful fills, the guitar solo adding a spice that’s nice. When they take this one live there is the opportunity to get the crowd involved too with the repeated chants of “Crash and burn!” the icing on the cake. A promising collection from a band on the rise, this trio are ones you’re going to want to keep an eye out for [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Think Distance
2. Flying Colours
3. Monkey Bars

“The Gutters” by Numbskull Narrative is out 6th March 2026 and is available over at bandcamp