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Rating: It’s amazing how unexpected events can lead to good things: this morning, for example, a website I always use to discover new music decided to flip out; so, after wandering aimlessly through the ether, I found out that Guerilla Toss have released a new album. Well, would you look at that—what a nice surprise.
Born fourteen years ago in a methamphetamine-fueled basement in a Boston dive, Guerilla Toss have always been proud of their unrestrained inclusivity: any musical idea has the chance to be valued here, ever since their early days, when they would raze venues to the ground with a no wave and brutal prog sonic violence that for some even recalled Lightning Bolt, all the way to today—sure, they’ve mellowed a bit, but that didn’t stop them from snapping a series of photos featuring a member with his member out.
I remember their Twisted Crystal from 2018 as a very pleasant surprise, a sparkling and varied celebration of oddity, with one of the most truly psychedelic tracks (Walls of the Universe) I’ve ever heard. So I was pretty disappointed when they released Famously Alive, a bland and soulless mess. This morning, I decided to give GT another chance, and it turned out to be a smart move, because You’re Weird Now is not only a sort of return to Twisted Crystal, but five times better. And it even has the stamp of my beloved Sub Pop.
This album is an ode to the eccentric, to weirdos (like the EP What Would the Odd Do?), to the spice of life, whatever that may be, without ever abandoning that slightly Zolo, slightly Synth, a bit psychedelic and a bit dance punk soul that is the trademark of these charming lunatics. In fact, drummer Peter Negroponte explained that GT didn’t really feel like experimenting anymore, and instead asked themselves: “What are the best things we’ve done? And how can we build on them and progress even further?”—and I’d say they’ve met every expectation. Right from the first track, Krystal Ball, we’re hit with all its intensity, with its taste for contrast, and with the unmistakable voice of the ever-uninhibited Kassie Carlson. Red Flag to Angry Bull reminds me of Pavement, When Dogs Bark features an almost alternative metal riff, while the closing track, Favorite Sun, sometimes brings to mind even Oasis, with Kassie who proves she can rap smoothly too.
It’s four stars because I don’t like the whispered part, even though it would deserve five, because as of today it’s their masterpiece and I’m sure it’ll grow, like a psilocybin-packed mushroom. Two last tidbits: the production is in the hands of Stephen Malkmus (remember I mentioned Pavement?), who sometimes lends his pipes too, and last year Guerilla Toss opened for Primus, oh yes… and here’s hoping that a certain de Marga grabs pen and paper...
Until next time.
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