Gum Parker sounds like the name of a cartoon detective or a scrappy sidekick in a coming-of-age comic book—but turns out, it’s actually a tool used to hold gum in place. Who knew? (Not me!) Either way, it has a quirky charm and makes for a pretty great band name.

The project is the brainchild of Galen Richmond (of Repeating Cloud Records, Lemon Pitch, and Teenage Tom Petties), who unlike his past group efforts, takes on full songwriting duties here. The Gum Parker lineup is rounded out by Kate Sullivan-Jones (The Outfits, The English Muffins), Jeff Hamm (Lemon Pitch, TTP, Wood Burning Cat), and Jason Unterreiner (Wood Burning Cat).

Richmond’s songwriting leans hard into the jangly, scrappy side of indie rock—think ‘90s college radio and early ‘00s DIY. The music kinda makes sense if you’re familiar with his label’s roster, but Gum Parker doesn’t let itself compare directly to any band out there. There’s zero pretense and plenty of charm. Songs like Two Subarus and Only Boxes feel loose and lived-in in the best way, with just enough ragged energy to feel spontaneous. Gum Parker even flirt with punk pace and volume at times, letting bursts of tension punch through the jangle. You get the sense that these songs would translate very well to the stage.

Trading vocal duties between Richmond and Sullivan-Jones brings a welcome variety. They both have unique voices that feel raw and unfiltered—like the kind of singing you believe immediately, no polish required.

The Brakes is out now on Repeating Cloud Records. It’s a low-key gem with high replay value.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp