SPILL LIVE REVIEW: THEY ARE GUTTING A BODY OF WATER @ THE GARRISON, TORONTO

THEY ARE GUTTING A BODY OF WATER

@ THE GARRISON, TORONTO

DECEMBER 6, 2025

The Garrison is something of a magical spot within the current landscape of the Toronto music scene. From local legends, to acts on nationwide tours, and brand new musical groups alike are able to take the stage and shock the viewing audience to various degrees. On Saturday night, December fifth, Philadelphia shoegaze legends, They Are Gutting A Body Of Water (also commonly known as TAGABOW) graced the Dundas Street West staple with two other Philadelphia bands as opening acts. The band engaged in their commonly known and infamous practice of setting up on the floor. Even hours before the band took the stage (or the floor, rather) endlessly excited audience members began surrounding the mesmerizing mish-mash of instruments and electrical equipment that was riddled across the floor. It was an intoxicating atmosphere, but one that could quickly dissolve into gimmick status if not approached with the right amount of attention and care. Thankfully, They Are Gutting A Body Of Water pulled it off, and the sold-out, jam-packed audience at The Garrison was mesmerized for 45 minutes straight. The emotionally cathartic and blisteringly loud set was an experience that no one in attendance will soon forget.

LOTTO ALBUM REVIEW

Despite a barrage of technical difficulties that the band was struck with throughout the course of their set, the show was relentless and ever-present. The pure energy and sense of comradely that was radiating from the group’s stage presence at all moments was riveting, and was further emphasized by the messages of moral strength and empathy in their lyrics.  The setlist featured an eclectic blend of familiar favourites and new material from the album that they are touring in support of, LOTTO. The new songs sounded incredible, and everybody in the surrounding audience was nodding their head to the beat, in perfect synchronization. It was akin to a religious moments.

The band didn’t play an encore, but promised Toronto that they would be back very soon to ‘make it up to everyone.’ However, Toronto didn’t seem to mind, as everybody was eager to burst into applause, praise and vocal affirmation. Between songs, frontman Doug Dulgarian would engage the song in light crowd work, and the audience was more than happy to oblige the conversation. If you get the chance to see They Are Gutting A Body Of Water, you absolutely should. The group truly does throw the show of a lifetime.

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