EP Review: GWAR – The Return Of Gor Gor (Pit Records)

The infamous Scumdogs of the Universe, GWAR, are celebrating 40 years of mind-boggling madness with a new EP ‘The Return of Gor Gor’ on 25th July via Pit Records.

Gor Gor has returned and has stories to share, and GWAR are showcasing this not only with three brand-new tracks, but with an exclusive 32-page comic that really goes into depth about where Gor Gor has been all this time. Spoilers: it’s a little weird.

Of course it is though, this is GWAR, and they’ve been delivering the weird and wonderful (amongst other less savoury words to describe them) for 40 years. Can you freaking believe it!? Love them or loathe them, no one can deny the impact this band has had and that’s not changing anytime soon.

I wouldn’t call myself a big GWAR fan, but I’ve enjoyed plenty of GWAR music over the years. Often finding them to be the most enjoyable when they’re telling stories, which is lucky, as this EP is all about stories. Beginning with the madness of The Great Circus Train Disaster, a tale about a catastrophic circus train derailment involving flaming elephants, twisted clowns, and one extremely unlucky cotton candy vendor.

In some ways, it’s a GWAR special, but in others, it’s something else entirely. Sure, it is fun, silly, and anthemic, but it’s GWAR at their most theatrical and at their most experimental as they rock things up, showcasing progressive thinking, rather than going for the jugular. It’s so much fun though. As is Lot Lizard, a track with surprising depth, if you’re willing to explore some seedy truck stops with a crack-addicted, cross-dressing, dinosaur prostitute. Yep, it’s obnoxious and outrageous, coming at the listener in fast and furious punk fashion.

The third and final new track is Tyrant King, and it is a celebration of GWAR’s heavier side as Gor Gor goes on a rampage. The shouted chorus will be sung loud and proud by fans all over the world, heralding the return of everyone’s favourite three-ton T-Rex, even if Gor Gor is likely to eat anyone he comes across. It’s still so much fun.

Speaking of fun though, how much have we all had seeing this band live? If you’ve not experienced GWAR in the flesh, what on earth have you been doing with your life? Rectify that ASAP, and in the meantime, enjoy a few choice live tracks that capture the manic energy and crowd-pleasing intensity of the band on stage. Featuring Crack in the Egg, The Founding Fathers, America Must Be Destroyed, and Fishfuck, they are welcome listens and help make the EP more substantial.

Not that the three new tracks aren’t satisfying enough, after all, who hasn’t been wondering just where the hell Gor Gor has been?!

GWAR – The Return of Gor Gor Track Listing:

1. The Great Circus Train Disaster
2. Lot Lizard
3. Tyrant King
4. Crack in the Egg (Live)
5. The Founding Fathers (Live)
6. America Must Be Destroyed (Live)
7. Fishfuck (Live)

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