Gum Parker sounds like a cartoon detective or maybe the scrappy sidekick in a zine nobody asked for—but turns out, it’s actually a tool that holds chewing gum in place. Who knew? Either way, it makes for a great band name: weird, catchy, a little off-kilter.
The project is helmed by Galen Richmond (Repeating Cloud Records, Lemon Pitch, Teenage Tom Petties), who takes full songwriting reins this time around. He’s joined by Kate Sullivan-Jones (The Outfits, The English Muffins), Jeff Hamm (Lemon Pitch, Wood Burning Cat), and Jason Unterreiner (Wood Burning Cat).
Sonically, Gum Parker leans into the scrappy, jangly corners of indie rock—think ‘90s college radio meets early-2000s DIY basement shows. It’s loose but intentional, catchy but unpolished, with just enough punk bite to keep things unpredictable. Songs like Two Subarus and Only Boxes feel like they were born in the moment—gritty, hooky, and made to be played loud.
Richmond and Sullivan-Jones trade vocals to great effect—both raw, real, and full of character. No polish needed, no pretense allowed.
Gum Parker’s debut, The Brakes, is out now on Repeating Cloud Records. It’s a low-key banger that rewards repeat listens—and might just stick with you, like the name.
Lyrics : Two Subarus
Well we just stumbled through
those early loose limbed years
We fought on the steps and we slept in the car
But our friends were all there
with their drinks in the air
We called out of work in a call and response
We thought it was perfect every time
It barely worked out at the time
Kept the Web In Front
of the two Subarus
This nostalgia's like glue that I track on the rug
But a little can't hurt
cause I saved room for dessert
My memory's long it's got a real sweet tooth.
Didn't know from perfect at the time
That was just how we spent our time
Waking up in the junk man's yard
And he's gotta clean the carpet before we can start
We thought it was perfect at the time
It barely worked out every time
But it's gonna be perfect this next time
And it's gonna last a long long time
