Emerging from Bristol’s music scene is Battery Point and their first song of 2024, “Gullsong”. Produced by Morgan Jones, “Gullsong” was inspired by the work of poets Thomas Hardy and Rupert Brooke. Originally beginning as a folk song, the haunting atmosphere of  “Gullsong” reminds me of moments in films where death may be approaching or where one would be a ‘deadman walking’.

There’s an 80s goth essence to the vocals of “Gullsong” that are reminiscent of Bauhaus’ Daniel Ash and Peter Murphy. They further add to the haunting mood. While the first part of the song is a soldier’s philosophical reflection on war, the instrumental second half represents his memories of chaos and confusion.

The song may have been inspired by the words of World War I poets, but explores the profound mental journey that soldiers of war experience no matter the era.