Ollie Gullick is no stranger to the magic of expression through music. His sophomore EP, “Front Room,” is a testament to the chaos, vulnerability and growth he has experienced in the past few years. Moving to the United States at 18 to pursue music at Berklee College of Music, the British indie-rock artist instantly immersed himself in the Boston music scene. The queer artist left a strong mark quickly and is continuing to do so as he navigates Boston. This fall, Gullick is stopping at Sonia at The Middle East in Cambridge as part of the “Front Room” tour.
“Front Room” opens a door into his inner world, allowing listeners to see a raw and unfiltered look at self-destruction, identity and healing.
The six-track EP sits at 22 minutes and is structured to be experienced in one sitting. Despite this, each track captures its own unique identity, capable of standing alone but a part of a stronger collective emotional journey.
The opening track, “Desire Is the Root of All Evil,” sets the tone with hymn-like harmonies and a meditative sound. The EP takes a sharp turn as it transitions to track two, “Can You Keep a Secret?” With an upbeat rhythm and endless energy, the juxtaposition between tracks captures the listener’s attention. Right off the bat, he instills themes of vulnerability and introspection.
Slowing things back down, “Paint” and “Fermented Fruit” dip into more melancholic territory. Gullick doesn’t shy away from heavy themes in these two tracks, such as drinking and toxic relationships. There is a thread of resilience that weaves through them despite the darkness.
The title track and closer “Front Room” bring the project full circle. Returning to the sacred tone in the opener, the song uses repetition, minimalism and a three-minute instrumental outro to create a feeling of catharsis. The final lyric, “you’re far,” hangs in the air as Gullick makes peace and room for personal self-acceptance.
With roots stretching from the sleepy suburbs of Surrey to vibrant Abu Dhabi and bustling Boston, Gullick brings a unique approach to his lyrical genius. His story, as told through song, is full of transition, struggle and ultimate revelation.
Gareth • Sep 18, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Really fascinating insights into this great EP. The visceral vulnerability tempered with catharsis shines through in every note and I think you’ve captured the raw emotion with your words as well. Thank you!