Michal Gutman Shapes an Evolving Sound World With ‘War boys’
Michal Gutman’s latest work arrives as part of a singles project designed to evolve over time, offering listeners a gradual and immersive experience. Performing as a one woman band, Gutman uses bass guitar, a loop station, two microphones, and a touch pad synthesizer to construct layered compositions that unfold in real time.
The project’s title track, ‘War boys’, is the second song to be released and debuted in September 2025. Instead of presenting all material at once, Gutman’s approach allows each release to stand on its own while contributing to a broader artistic narrative.
Her music exists in a space between harmony and disharmony, drawing from a range of influences. There are moments that echo theatrical cabaret, passages that feel at home on an 80’s dance floor, and sections that resemble a dreamlike soundtrack. Polyrhythmics and contradicting loops are key elements, adding depth and movement to the sound.
Conceptually, the project continues Gutman’s exploration of identity during catastrophe. She examines the relationship between personal grief and society’s grief, and the presence of beauty within those complex emotional landscapes. These ideas are expressed through sound and structure rather than direct commentary.
This body of work follows Gutman’s first solo album, “Never Coming Home”, released in 2024. It also reflects her history with Whaling Snails, the band she spent a decade touring and recording with, resulting in the albums “Songs For Yael” from 2015 and “The Wind Around Your Heart” released in 2019.
With ‘War boys’, Gutman continues to shape a project rooted in intention and exploration. Each release adds another layer to her evolving sound world, offering listeners a thoughtful and engaging musical journey as the project continues to unfold.
