The Gilhoolys -“Bad routine”
The Gilhoolys Deliver Grit and Glory with “Bad Routine”
Glasgow-based outfit The Gilhoolys return with “Bad Routine,” a defiant and electrifying indie rock single that distills the raw energy of their Celtic roots into a tight, riff-heavy burst of urgency. Led by the charismatic frontman Dev, the track captures a sense of frustration and fire, channeling it into something undeniably powerful and melodic.
From the first few bars, “Bad Routine” builds with understated tension before breaking into a sharp-edged lead guitar riff that feels both familiar and fierce. The rhythm section drives the song forward with relentless momentum, while Dev’s vocals thread emotion and grit through each line. There’s a theatrical flair to the delivery, supported by a wall of sound that echoes the influence of Bowie and Placebo, yet firmly grounded in the band’s own voice.
The production is clean and impactful, thanks to producer Andy Anderson at Main St Records, who helps the band strike a balance between live energy and studio finesse. There’s a clarity to the arrangement that lets each element breath, from the crunchy guitar licks to the pulsing bass and tight percussion, creating a sound that feels both spacious and urgent.
Lyrically, “Bad Routine” confronts disillusionment with a pointed edge, alluding to systemic failures and the personal toll of modern life. It’s a protest wrapped in melody, delivered not with despair but with conviction. The song speaks to the will to rise, to shout back, and to keep going even when the world feels upside down.
With a full album set to launch this December and a reputation for fiery live performances, The Gilhoolys are carving out a place as one of Scotland’s most compelling new voices in indie rock. “Bad Routine” is more than just a single, it’s a statement, a rally cry, and a clear sign that this band is playing from the heart.