Gallus - Life Is Bliss

Kayleigh

6 minutes ago

4 min read

Album Name: Life Is Bliss

Artists: Gallus

Released: September 2026

Label: Marshall Records

Tracklist

Au Contraire
Better Than Nothing
MK Des (Miss Out)
Alert Alert
Stupid Dog
Do For You
Sick Bastards
Just A Man
Donnie Murdo
Something There
Jesus Wept
M8

Gallus balance humour, frustration and vulnerability with second album 'Life Is Bliss'. Origininating in a Glasgow pub Gallus are an act that take energetic indie-punk and pair it with humour, raw honesty and a clear hunger for something more. Known for their electrifying live performances the band have previously supported Scottish legends Biffy Clyro, played on international stages and they were even crowned Best Rock/Alternative at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2022. Second album 'Life Is Bliss' sees Gallus share some honest stories about growing up and life changing around you while lacing it with their signature humour.

"A lot of this record is about trying to find stability when the things you care about seem to be changing around you. Some of it comes from watching Glasgow transfrom, some of it comes from getting older and some of it comes from feeling like life isn't moving forward in the way you'd hoped. It's probably the most honest representation of who we are as a band right now." - (Gallus)

Opening the album with an easy favourite of mine 'Au Contraire' sets the tone straight away. The blast of energy has a massive catchy chorus and a cool swagger that can be found throughout the whole of 'Life Is Bliss'. Moving through the slightly darker feeling 'Better Than Nothing' into 'MK Des (Miss Out) which is another standout track on the album. The previously released single is packed with fun energy and almost feels like a larger than life piece. I was very lucky to catch Gallus at their show in Glasgow this weekend and seeing this song brought to life in a live setting is an unforgettable moment with vocalist Barry seen crwodsurfing with a saxaphone. 'MK Des (Miss Out)' is easily one of the most fun songs on 'Life Is Bliss'. 'Alert Alert' comes in next as a punchy and very catchy piece before moving into the very cool and punky 'Stupid Dog'. Then we come to another stand out track in my opinion 'Do For You', this one feels a bit like bottling madness while Gallus seem to make a point of just how Scottish they are while claiming "I don't dream American". I may have mentioned some stand out tracks from the ablum but honestly none of them come quite close to what I would call the song of the album 'Sick Bastards'. This one has become a clear fan favourite with the whole room shouting along the words at the bands gig at The Art School. It was released as a single before 'Life Is Bliss' dropped and it's definitely earned it's place as permanently stuck on my on repeat playlist. The cheeky lyrics and bright energy of the piece while talking of subjects that are honest but in a playful way make it one to keep coming back to. Then 'Just A Man' feels a little weirder soundwise but Gallus make it work. 'Donnie Murdo' is a track that I would describe as very Gallus sounding. Then the album moves into 'Something There' which is a big one that even features some vocal harmonies and interesting guitars before jumping into the big alt rock sounding song 'Jesus Wept'. This one feels different to the normal almost punk layered sounds of Gallus leaning way further into the alt rock genre. 'Jesus Wept' is definitely one to get you singing along while also just being really enjoyable to sit and listen to. Finishing up 'Life Is Bliss' is the track 'M8' which may be packed with a rock swagger but I think beyond this it truly embodies the emotions that are shown throughout the album. It's a very big sounding piece that's easy to enjoy but if you let yourself really listen to it it's even easier to get a little emotional. Especially as the track reaches it's end with a direct honest speech about a moment when life was forced to change for at least one member of the band. Overall, I am actually a little surprised at how much I love this album, for a band that I've only come to listen to recently I didn't expect every track to grip me the way they did but I truly did love every single one. I think especially having seen the band live a couple of days ago and getting to witness some of these tracks in that setting has cemented me as a Gallus fan and I will be listening to 'Life Is Bliss' on loop for the forseeable future.