Photo by Ebru Yildiz

Like many of us these days, Guerilla Toss are pondering the possibility that this is all a simulation. That would at least make sense as to why everything has you wanting to make a great escape from reality. And yet, no matter how hard you try, it always seems like there’s a foil designed to fuck things up and stop you from getting away. We’re all animals in cages held by a greater chaos, and that becomes hyper-fixated on in “Life’s a Zoo”, the latest preview from the experimental dance-punk band’s new album, You’re Weird Now.

The recording environment for this was ripe to bring that wild into hyper-sonic detail here, between the effort being produced by Stephen Malkmus (who throws in some too cool cameo lines alongside former GT member / Survivor cast member Ben Katzman) in the psychedelic space of Phish frontman Trey Anastasio’s The Barn studio. Even by Guerilla Toss standards, they outdo their oddity in driving up a tizzy of digi-punk punctuated by wonky chants with a full intent to crash-out. At one point, they venture a level deeper that hinders upon the calm of elevator jazz, but like any false exit, it’s only a temporary respite. Ultimately, the stimulation buries you.

Directed by: Marcus Brooks & Guerilla Toss

Guerilla Toss’ You’re Weird Now will be released September 12th on Sub Pop.