Deja Voodoo - Gumbo

Review by Carles Gomila

Album Review: Gumbo by Deja Voodoo – A Raw, Unfiltered Slice of 1983 Punk and Garage Rock Released in 1983 on OG Music, Gumbo by Deja Voodoo is a fiery concoction of punk energy and garage rock grit. Hailing from Canada, this album wears its DIY ethos proudly, delivering seventeen tracks that feel like they were recorded live in someone’s basement—and that’s exactly what makes it so damn memorable. With Gerard Van Herk pulling double duty on vocals and guitar, Tony Dewald pounding the drums into submission, and both sharing arrangement duties, Gumbo feels less like an album and more like a raucous house party you don’t want to leave. Standout Tracks That Stick If there’s one track that’ll grab your attention right off the bat, it’s “Wall of Paisley.” This tune hits hard with its crunchy guitar riffs and infectious rhythm. It’s not just the music; it’s the vibe. The lyrics might be simple, but they’re delivered with such conviction that you can’t help but nod along. There’s something about the way Van Herk’s voice cracks under the weight of his own enthusiasm—it’s raw, unpolished, and utterly captivating. You won’t find studio trickery here, just pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll spirit. And honestly? That’s refreshing as hell. Another standout is “Van Gogh’s Ear,” which showcases the band’s knack for storytelling through sound. The song builds steadily, layering distorted guitars over punchy drum beats until it erupts into chaos. It’s chaotic in the best possible way—like watching a storm roll in and knowing full well you should run for cover but deciding to dance in the rain instead. The imagery evoked by the title alone sticks with you long after the final note fades. Why This Album Matters What sets Gumbo apart isn’t just its genre-blending style or its lo-fi charm—it’s the authenticity dripping from every track. These songs weren’t crafted for radio play or commercial success; they were made because the band had no other choice. They needed to create. Listening to tracks like “Big Black Bus” or “Into the Gumbo,” you get the sense that these guys were playing for themselves first and foremost. And maybe that’s why it resonates so deeply—it’s real. The production quality may be rough around the edges, sure, but that only adds to the appeal. In a world where everything is polished to perfection, Gumbo reminds us that sometimes imperfection is where the magic lies. Plus, who doesn’t love a good b-side anthem like “You’re No Fun When Your Head’s All Mushy”? The title alone deserves a round of applause. Final Thoughts (With a Twist) Listening to Gumbo today feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem at a thrift store—a little dusty, slightly worn, but overflowing with character. It’s the kind of album that makes you wonder how many other treasures from the early ‘80s are still out there waiting to be discovered. But here’s the kicker: if aliens ever invade Earth and demand proof of human creativity, I’d hand them this album without hesitation. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s alive. And isn’t that what music is supposed to be? Rating: 4/5 Paisley Walls (One paisley wall deducted for making me crave gumbo while listening.)

Artist: Deja Voodoo
Album: Gumbo

Canada

Rock

1983

Review
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Filename: deja-voodoo-gumbo.zip

MP3 size: 56.1 mb
FLAC size: 589.9 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Pyramid	1:31
Surfing On Mars	2:04
You're No Fun When Your Head's All Mushy	1:20
Van Gogh's Ear	1:02
Someone In My House	1:42
Full Moon	1:20
Ifugao	1:29
Big Black Bus	1:25
Into The Gumbo	2:33
A Girl I Know	2:36
Duh Papa Duh	0:56
Wall Of Paisley	1:30
Baron Samedi	1:33
Deja Voodoo Train	1:23
Vegetables	1:35
Baby Honey	1:20
Boppin '88	1:40

Video

Deja Voodoo - Gumbo, 17 Sludgeabilly Greats! (Full Album)

Images

Catalog Numbers

OG1

Labels

OG Music

Listen online

kuunnella verkossa
ascolta in linea
online luisteren
lyssna på nätet
escuchar en línea
écouter en ligne
ouvir online
lytte på nettet
online anhören

Formats

Cassette
Single Sided
Album

Companies

Role	Company
Phonographic Copyright (p)	OG Music
Copyright (c)	OG Music

Credits

Role	Credit
Arranged By	Van Herk, Dewald
Drums	Tony Dewald
Guitar	Gerard Van Herk
Voice	Gerard Van Herk
Songwriter	Van Herk (tracks: A1 to A8, A10 to A17)

Notes

all songs van herk except ifugao, filipino traditional
arranged by dewald/van herk
c p 1983 og music
chrome c60 cassette -- side 2 is blank for you to use

About Deja Voodoo

Sludgeabilly band from Montréal, Canada formed in 1981 by (guitar, voice) and (drums). The band established in 1982. Disbanded in 1990 when Van Herk and Dewald retired from the music business.

Members

Tony Dewald
Gerard Van Herk

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *Gumbo* by Deja Voodoo is like a time capsule of raw Canadian rock from the early '80s. It’s wild to think that one guy, Gerard Van Herk, wrote almost every track on it. He wasn’t just the voice and guitarist but also the mastermind behind the songs. With its mix of punk and garage rock vibes, *Gumbo* feels like a chaotic yet creative jam session. Tracks like "Van Gogh's Ear" and "Surfing On Mars" show off their quirky edge. Plus, how cool is it that they named a song after Baron Samedi, the Haitian voodoo spirit? Feels like this album was ahead of its time in embracing weirdness.