Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Year active: 2021 - Ongoing
Members: Stefan Duka
Label: Self-released, Khya Records
Related bands: Idiedthisfebruary, Labud
FFO: Jeromes Dream, Usurp Synapse, Combatwoundedveteran, Merzbow, Atrax Morgue, sueisntfine
As i was filming and editing a live set for Labud, i took myself a trip down the memory lane and recalled one of Duka's first projects that i discovered back in 2021. I remember trying to reach out to him via Bandcamp to no avail and then happened to accidentally meet him at AKAB Okretnica some time later. It was up to that point when he revealed himself to be behind this project that made me completely flabbergasted. And i am definitely glad that i met him.
give.me.the.gun., a ghastly lo-fi emo/noisecore hybrid came to mind. A solo project that is nothing short of ferocious. As of 2024, the project had released two EPs and a split release so far.
His debut EP "selected.recordings.", consists of 5 tracks with diverse styles within the lo-fi production. Tracks like 'Whyhavealifewhenyouhavetheinternet', 'xepoj' and 'mr.coathangersayshello' serve themselves as the most harrowing form of lo-fi emoviolence/noisecore. Distanced, amateurish, but soulcrushing and cathartic production within the mist of grainy noise further compliments the raw aspects of the DIY Hardcore punk aesthetics, while 'wakingupfromacomain2001' and 'carpemortem' backs up the short-timed skramz offerings with screeching, pulsating and disturbingly long noise compositions ala Merzbow and Hanatarash, making up a half-an-hour runtime for this magnificent rollercoaster ride of an EP.
This kind of quality continues in the form of a 2023 split with Eva Ras titled 'Similar Genes, Distant Relatives' with 3 tracks and a cover. His side starts with a melancholic instrumental opener 'Burning Bridges', succeeding with screeching 50-second noisecore/emoviolence 'Hello, I Hate Myself'. Ironically, another screeching noisy interlude 'New Year, Old Me' gives the listener a 2-minute break before finally concluding his side with his I Wrote Haikus cover.
Halfway through the year, GMTG dropped another EP titled 'Worm (oh, it's a dreadful life)'. Only this time we're hearing a more upfront and less abstract production, but still maintaining the lo-fi aspect. The first three tracks border on the influences between Jeromes Dream, Usurp Synapse (for its punchy compression in 'I think you don't love me anymore') and Combatwoundedveteran, with the exception of a post-rockish instrumental 'left' rocking with Unwoundish inflections as the calm ambient soars for 2 minutes before finally closing with an interlude cover of Novi Sad's cult Neocrust Reflections of Internal Rain. The band is definitely influential to Duka's contributions to this project and other bands that follow.
In conclusion, give.me.the.gun. is one of the most promising solo projects i've ever come across in my lifetime. Its entire discography and Duka's contribution to the scene gives hope to the other up and coming newcomers to Novi Sad scene and hopefully influences the rest of Ex-Yu. I am looking forward for this projects' further releases in the future. MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN.
