Gulfer, Montreal Emo Band, to Break Up

Gulfer, the emo and indie-rock four-piece from Montreal, Quebec, have announced they’re breaking up. “After over a decade, Gulfer is calling it quits,” they said in a statement to Pitchfork. “Through this band, we’ve experienced some of the best moments of our lives. We got to travel the world and play to great people everywhere. But it’s time to move on and give space for new things. Thank you to everyone who listened, came out to a show, and said what’s up – we’re so grateful to all of you.”

Gulfer also formalized the announcement on social media, where they wrote, “GULFER 2011-2024 ✌️ 3 shows before we go. Thanks for listening.” The band’s final dates are July 13 in Montreal, July 19 in Toronto, and July 20 in Ottawa. Find more details about their final live performances below.

After forming in 2011 with singer-guitarist Vincent Ford, singer-bassist David Mitchell, and drummer Simon Maillé, Gulfer went on to release a handful of EPs and splits before dropping their debut album, What Gives, in 2015. The following year, however, the band made two key lineup changes: Maillé departed; Julien Daoust took over on drums; and Joseph Therriault joined on both guitar and vocals. Daoust and Therriault made their recorded debut with the band on 2018’s Dog Bless. Gulfer went on to release their self-titled LP two years later, as well as the live album Live in Japan. Their final album, Third Wind, came out this past February, via Topshelf Records.

Read about Gulfer’s Third Wind in “18 Great Records You May Have Missed: Winter 2024.”

Gulfer:

07-13 Montreal, Quebec – Bar “Le Ritz” PDB
07-19 Toronto, Ontario – Monarch Tavern
07-20 Ottawa, Ontario – Rainbow Bistro