The best bands evolve without losing sight of what made them special in the first place. They build on their foundations, expanding their sound while keeping their identity intact. Few rising acts understand this better than Gürl.
At the heart of the band are Josh Dalton (vocals) and Jonny Turner (guitar), two musicians whose relentless drive and creative vision have led them to reclaim full control of Gürl’s direction. With the powerhouse rhythm section of Jay Parker (bass) and Tom John (drums), they’re not just refining their sound—they’re elevating it. Gürl isn’t a band finding its feet; it’s a band on the verge of something huge.
Every performance sees them push harder, play tighter, and draw bigger crowds. This is an arena-level band operating in a club-sized space, and it’s only a matter of time before their setting catches up with their ambition. The precision of their live sound, combined with a raw, untamed energy, places them far ahead of their contemporaries.
Individually, each member brings something distinct. Tom, a kinetic force behind the kit, plays with an intensity that borders on theatrical. Jay, impossibly fluid, defies gravity with effortless movement while locking in airtight bass grooves. Jonny attacks the guitar with a ferocity that borders on self-destruction. And then there’s Josh, a frontman in every sense—sharp, charismatic, and commanding, with a voice that could shake the foundations of any festival stage.
Gürl’s back catalogue offers no filler, only fully-formed anthems. The brooding menace of “Last Night I Read Your Diary”, the swaggering, attitude-laden “Bitch I’m Fashion”, and the brutality of “Medic” prove that Gürl doesn’t write songs—they craft statements.
At The Exchange, the next phase of their evolution unfolded in real-time. The live debut of “Nothing Good Is Ever Said at 4 AM” was a standout moment, a track that takes everything fans love about their heavier side and dials it up to full intensity. Alongside another new offering, “Cool Girls Look Sad”, the band’s decision to take complete creative control already feels like a turning point.
Gürl were tipped as a breakout act for 2024. After this performance, they feel unstoppable. By the end of 2025, their name won’t just be on the lips of those in the know—it will be everywhere.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
