Terry Guy – CLAP (2024)
How eclectic is too eclectic? How experimental is too experimental? How alternative and obscure is too alternative and obscure? Given his melding of musical styles to realm of unconventional, Terry Guy suggests that there is no “too much”. Drawing from diverse influences like Sinead O’Connor, Hole, Tori Amos, PJ Harvey and Alanis Morissette, UK-based Guy saunters across genres creating a vivid sonic palette and pioneering an inimitable sound – one that is Terry Guy and no-one else. Come with us as we delve into his latest release, ‘CLAP’.
Eager to explore the grittier, provocative, and “well, let’s try to avoid that topic” issues, Guy delves into addiction, racism and homophobia with his music. Self-recorded and produced at London’s Goldsmiths Music Studio, ‘CLAP’ waivers between electropop, industrial, a shiver of hip-hop and indie-rock with avant-garde sentimentalities.
Upon first listen, my immediate thought was: it’s a bit odd, isn’t it? Oozing with duality from the first chord, ‘CLAP’ is sophisticated but with raw vulnerability peeking between the musical waters. It is sparse and barebones, but complexity belies the single with kaleidoscopic beats. Filled with echoes, ‘CLAP’ appears hollow and cold; however, the separate vocals lilt at a hint of comfortable warmth.
Almost capturing two songs in one two-and-a-half-minute single, Guy’s vocals appear entirely separate to the industrial-tinged tune. Like entering a large warehouse completely empty and cold, but you feel invited with an otherworldly, disembodied voice calling out in a steady, hypnotic, almost spoken-word way.
I mentioned my first opinion of ‘CLAP’ was it being quite odd, and that doesn’t change throughout the track. Yet, as odd as it is, this is no bad thing. Its enigmatic obscurity and strong experimental nature intoxicate audiences making odd the new brilliant. This is my introduction to avant-garde-laden Terry Clap, and I cannot wait for more.
Find out more about Terry Guy on his Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and SoundCloud.
Listen to more avant-garde music on The Other Side Reviews Avant Garde playlist:
