GUMDROP by GUMDROP

All songs written & performed by Samuel Chown (Shmu) and Jesse Varnam (Buttons)

All songs produced, arranged, mixed & mastered by Samuel Chown (Shmu)

Art by Marcelo Lavin

Grind Select 2025

GUMDROP’s sound sits at the intersection of beauty and chaos; equal parts angst filled melodic darkwave and glitchy hyperpop can be found on their debut self-titled release.

The first single “Thai Angel” showcases the more nihilistic side of the duo’s sound, whereas “EYE CANDY” is pure 80’s New Wave nostalgia; both are equally dark and dreamy. Buttons’ vocals oscillate between rage driven screaming and distorted bubblegum pop vocals, an interesting juxtaposition against Shmu’s more RnB inflected vocal style, as well as unorthodox psychedelic and kaleidoscopic production. GUMDROP’s debut is no exception to Shmu’s unusual blending of styles to add new palettes and textures to an ever expanding musical universe.

Lyrical content found within spans from emotional heartache and entanglement to social unrest and the effects of late stage capitalism warping our sense of self identity. Swimming between the shallow and the deep, GUMDROP ‘s/t’ intentionally confounds and subverts musical norms with verve, aggression and a candy-like wonder. Sticky. Sweet. Aggressive.

GUMDROP’s sound sits at the intersection of beauty and chaos; equal parts angst filled melodic darkwave and glitchy hyperpop can be found on their debut self-titled release.