Guerilla Toss Explained

Guerilla Toss
Landscape:yes
Origin:Boston, MA, United States
Years Active:2011–present
Current Members:
  • Kassie Carlson
  • Peter Negroponte
  • Arian Shafiee
  • Zach Lewellyn
  • Jake Lichter

Guerilla Toss is an American rock band, formed in Boston in 2011. Now based in New York City,[1] the group currently consists of singer Kassie Carlson, drummer Peter Negroponte, guitarist Arian Shafiee, keyboardist Jake Lichter, and bassist Zach Lewellyn. Guerilla Toss has released five studio albums, seven EPs, and three remix albums, on various underground labels, DFA Records and more recently on Sub Pop.[2] They were listed in Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "10 Great Modern Punk Bands"[3] and Henry Rollins has called them "one of the first great bands of the new century".[4]

History

Formation and early years (2011–2014)

In 2011, Andy Allen and Peter Negroponte formed an early instrumental version of Guerilla Toss that played a mix of free jazz and punk. Singer Kassie Carlson joined the band in 2012, replacing Allen. [5] [6] Carlson first met Guerilla Toss when her former hardcore band, Western Syndrome, performed with the group at a house show.[7] Around this time is when Guerilla Toss' members consider the band to have truly started.[5] [6] Guerilla Toss toured extensively, nationally, and within Boston's DIY community by performing at many show houses such as Gay Gardens, where Carlson and Negroponte were both residents on separate occasions. Later that year Guerilla Toss released Jeffrey Johnson, through Feeding Tube Records.[8] In May 2013, Guerilla Toss released an EP, GTOSS, through Tzadik Records, the record label owned by avant-garde composer John Zorn.[9] The group then released an EP later that year—Kicked Back into the Crypt, a split LP with noise rock band The Sediment Club that was co-released through Sophomore Lounge Records and Feeding Tube Records[10]

Guerilla Toss began to incorporate disco and funk elements into their sound as shown with the release of their debut LP Gay Disco through NNA Tapes in December 2013.[11] [12] In July 2014, they released their next EP, 367 Equalizer, through Infinity Cat Recordings.[13] [14]

Towards the end of 2014 the band released the EP, Smack The Brick, through NNA Tapes.[15] Guerilla Toss wrapped up the year by going on a US / Europe tour that included the fourth-to-last show at New York City warehouse venue Death By Audio with Thee Oh Sees.[16] [17]

Signing to DFA Eraser Stargazer, GT Ultra, Twisted Crystal (2015–2019)

Guerilla Toss relocated to New York City during the summer of 2015.[18]

On June 24, 2015, Guerilla Toss opened for seminal Boston post-punk band Mission Of Burma in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.[19] The band's leader, Roger Miller is a self proclaimed fan.[20] Adding to Guerilla Toss’ growing popularity, Kris Petersen and Jonathan Galkin of DFA Records, the record label co-founded by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, signed Guerilla Toss to the label.[21] The band's first release through them was the EP Flood Dosed in October 2015, which was met with some acclaim.[22] [23] [24]

Around this time, the band began varying their setlists and jamming during their live performances in addition to encouraging tapers to come and check out their shows, citing the Grateful Dead as an inspiration.[25] In March 2016, Guerilla Toss released their album Eraser Stargazer through DFA Records. Eraser Stargazer was recorded during the winter of 2015 in Livingston Manor, NY. Guerilla Toss released two more recordings in 2016. One of them was a remix EP of Eraser Stargazer by Giant Claw—who did the artwork for Eraser Stargazer, Live in Nashville, and Gay Disco—titled Giant Claw vs. Guerilla Toss, which was released in May 2016 through DFA Records. The other release was their first live album, Live in Nashville, which was recorded at The End in Nashville, TN on March 11, 2016, during the Eraser Stargazer tour. The album was released in June 2016 on vinyl via Feeding Tube Records and digitally via DFA Records.[26]

In June 2017, Guerilla Toss released GT ULTRA, their second full-length album release on DFA Records.[27] The LP received positive reviews.[28] Popular YouTuber and music critic Anthony Fantano gave the album an 8/10, saying "Thanks to some clearer production, more up-front performances, and a zany new wave influence, GT ULTRA is the most I've ever enjoyed a Guerilla Toss album"[29] and included it on his "Loved List: 2017"[30]

On July 18, 2018, the band released a music video for the song "Meteorological", alongside an announcement on their official Facebook page. The video was produced by giraffestudio and directed by Nicky "Giraffe" and Juliana "Giraffe". Carlson was also part of the video editing process. On the official announcement, that was released alongside an article on Stereogum, where their sixth full-length album, Twisted Crystal, was announced.[31] The album was released on September 14, 2018, with artwork made by Jacob van Loon.

An EP titled What Would The Odd Do? was released on NNA Tapes October 18, 2019.[32] The band continued to tour, opening for Battles in Toronto, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Boston in December 2019.[33]

Signing to Sub Pop, Famously Alive (since 2022)

On June 15, 2020, the band released 2 songs as part of the Sub Pop 7" club, "Human Girl" and "Own Zone".[34]

In January 2022, Guerilla Toss announced that they had signed to Sub Pop, and released their next album, Famously Alive, through the label on March 25, 2022. They released the album's first single, "Cannibal Capital", on January 12, 2022.[35] The LP received positive reviews.[36] [37] Nick Forté, of the seminal hardcore punk band Rorschach, is credited as co-writing two songs on the album.[38] [39]

Shortly after Famously Alive was released, Stephen Malkmus, who had seen the band perform in 2019, personally asked Guerilla Toss to open for his band Pavement on their 2022 reunion tour.[40] It was announced in May that they would open in San Francisco, Troutdale, and Seattle.[41] They were later added to the Toronto and Boston Pavement shows as well.

In July 2022, Guerilla Toss released the single "Zum Herz" on the official tribute album to Neu!, through Grönland Records.[42] [43]

On October 28, 2022, Guerilla Toss released the single "Heathen Money" on a compilation called "The Eleventh Hour: Songs For Climate Justice", curated by Sub Pop and film director Adam McKay. All of the proceeds from the compilation go to the Climate Emergency Fund.[44]

Guerilla Toss toured extensively throughout the year, playing festivals such as Pickathon,[45] Pitchfork Berlin and Paris,[46] and the Primavera Weekender.[47]

Frequent collaborator and former Guerilla Toss bassist Ben Katzman was a contestant on Survivor 46, which aired in 2024.[48]

On February 20, 2024, it was announced that Guerilla Toss would be opening for Primus and Coheed and Cambria on their summer co-headline tour, [49] with Katzman rejoining the band on second guitar and vocals. The collaborative single with Katzman "Final Vibal" was released in July. [50]

Artistry

Musical style

Guerilla Toss's earlier work has been labeled as art rock,[51] no wave,[52] noise rock,[26] and punk,[3] namely for their odd time signatures and dissonant instrumentals. Throughout their DFA years, critics noted the addition of psych,[53] krautrock, new wave,[54] funk and dance music elements to the bands sound, often being compared to artists like Talking Heads,[28] The B-52's,[55] Boredoms,[56] Brian Eno, and Grace Jones.[54] [57] Carlson's vocal style has been compared to that of Lizzy Mercier Descloux,[58] Laurie Anderson, and Kathleen Hanna.[59]

Influences

Early on in their career, Guerilla Toss considered no wave artists like James Chance and Lydia Lunch, experimental artists like Captain Beefheart, and avant-garde composers like György Ligeti and John Zorn, to be major influences.[60] [61] They have cited artists such as Charli XCX,[62] Andy Stott,[39] Caroline Polachek,[63] Arca,[39] Arthur Russell, and Boards Of Canada[64] as recent influences. The band dubbed the sound of Famously Alive as "Hyper Punk"[65] (a play on the genre of Hyperpop), fusing elements of pop and electronic music into their sound with a maximalist approach.[66] Carlson's older brother is singer Jonah Jenkins of Only Living Witness[67] and Milligram,[68] as well as several other Boston based underground punk and hardcore bands throughout the 90's. He currently sings in the sludge metal / crust punk band Raw Radar War.[69] She grew up watching her brother perform and has stated in several interviews that she considers him an early influence in her development as a musician.[70] [71] [72] [73] Several members of Guerilla Toss are avid fans of The Grateful Dead.[74] [75] Carlson is a DJ for WJFF Radio Catskill and curates a weekly show called Rare Pear Radio, featuring fringe music mostly by queer and female artists.[64]

Lyrical themes

Carlson's lyrics often deal with subject matter such as substance abuse and recovery,[76] [77] growing up in poverty,[78] religious fanaticism,[79] the psychedelic experience,[80] mental illness,[81] technology, climate change,[82] self motivation,[83] depression[84] and alien abduction.[85] Carlson has said she draws inspiration from multitudes of subjects including contemporary literature like that of Milan Kundera, existentialist literature like that of Hermann Hesse, and cognitive science.[86] [87]

Members

Current

Current Touring Members

Former

Former Touring Members

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

Live albums

Singles

Remixes

Music videos

Notes and References

  1. [Maura Johnston|Johnston, Maura]
  2. Web site: Guerilla Toss Announce New Album 'Famously Alive': Hear "Cannibal Capital". 12 January 2022.
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/10-great-modern-punk-bands-20160413/guerilla-toss-20160413 "10 Great Modern Punk Bands"
  4. Rollins, Henry "Live In Nashville, Feeding Tube Records" "Guerilla Toss - Live In Nashville"
  5. Ruiz, Matthew Ismael "Flavorwire Video Premiere: Guerilla Toss’ Technicolor Acid Test Gets Doused in 'Perfume' ", Flavorwire, 19 April 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  6. Levy, Marc "Guerilla Toss performs tonight, and here are 10 things you might want to know", "Cambridge Day", Cambridge, 5 December 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  7. Price, Dillon "Guerilla Toss- Eraser Stargazer", "Sound Renaissance", 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  8. http://newengland.thedelimagazine.com/12673/guerilla-toss-delis-best-emerging-new-england-band-2012 "Guerilla Toss is The Deli’s Best Emerging New England Band of 2012"
  9. Parish, Matt "A Boston indie-rock watch list", "Boston Globe", Boston, 3 January 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  10. Bucciero, Joe "Guerilla Toss: "(God Fearing) Sex Symbol"", Adhoc.fm, New York, 30 July 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  11. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18920-guerilla-toss-gay-disco/ "Guerilla Toss Gay Disco"
  12. http://www.spin.com/2013/12/5-best-new-artists-december-13-fatima-whores-quilt-ian-isiah-guerilla-toss/131202-guerilla-toss/ "Five Best New Artists"
  13. Bowe, Miles "Guerilla Toss – "367 Equalizer" (Stereogum Premiere)", "Stereogum", 4 June 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  14. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/10-new-artists-you-need-to-know-november-2016-119364/amine-127147/ "10 New Artists You Need to Know: November 2016"
  15. Sugarman, Mike "Guerilla Toss: "Be the Breeder"", Adhoc.fm, New York, 28 October 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  16. Pearis, Bill "Guerilla Toss releasing new EP (stream it), playing DbA’s final week and Bard College before European tour", "Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn, 3 November 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  17. Pearis, Bill "Thee Oh Sees said “We’re here for 2 nights” last night at DbA; Dope Body, Roomrunner, Guerilla Toss & Junkyard played too", "Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  18. Klingman, Jeff "Guerilla Toss Is Brooklyn’s Best New Band (from Boston)", "Brooklyn Magazine", Brooklyn, 2 November 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  19. Sears, Ken "Live Shows: Mission of Burma and Guerilla Toss, 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH 6/24/15", "If It's Too Loud", Retrieved 15 December 2022
  20. McBride, Cathal "Out Of Oblivion Into The Light: An Interview with Mission of Burma", "The Thin Air". Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  21. Caldwell, Patrick "Guerilla Toss creates exuberant noise you want to dance to", "My Statesman", Austin, 9 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  22. Rettig, James "25 Great EPs from 2015", "Stereogum", 2 December 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  23. Corcoran, Nina "30 Best Local Albums of 2015", "DigBoston", Boston, 30 December 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  24. Clark, William F "Wydyde – "Body in the Sand"", "Boston Hassle", Boston, 24 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  25. Arroyo, Steven "Guerilla Toss – Eraser Stargazer", "Consequence of Sound", Chicago, 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  26. Bowe, Miles "Guerilla Toss get remixed by Giant Claw and destroy an audience with Live In Nashville", "Fact", London, 27 May 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  27. Rettig, James "Stream Guerilla Toss GT Ultra", "Stereogum", 23 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  28. Jarnow, Jesse "GT Ultra Review" "Pitchfork" July 2017. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  29. Fantano, Anthony "GT Ultra ALBUM REVIEW" 5 July 2017. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.
  30. Fantano, Anthony "Loved List 2017" Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.
  31. News: Guerilla Toss – "Meteorological" Video. 2018-07-18. Stereogum. 2018-11-28.
  32. Aswad, Jem "EP Review - What Would The Odd Do?", Variety", Nov 23, 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  33. Alejandra Mataon, Maria "Photo Gallery: Battles and Guerilla Toss live in Boston", "Vanya Land", 12 Dec 2019. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  34. Small-Samantha "Guerilla Toss Share New Songs Human Girl and Own Zone", "Under The Radar", 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.
  35. Rettig, James "Guerilla Toss – "Cannibal Capital", "Stereogum", 12 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.
  36. Reyes-Kulkarni, Saby "Guerilla Toss Famously Alive Review"Pop Matters", 25 March 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.
  37. Freedman, Max "Famously Alive Review" "Pitchfork", 28 March 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.
  38. https://www.allmusic.com/album/famously-alive-mw0003652448/credits "All Music: Famously Alive Credits"
  39. https://www.theplayground.co.uk/tp-mix-145-guerilla-toss/ "TP Mix #145 - Guerilla Toss"
  40. Everhart, Josh "Pavement reveals what they learned from Sonic Youth, R.E.M. and Echo & the Bunnymen", The A.V. Club 7 September 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.
  41. Pearis, Bill "Pavement Announce Tour Openers", "Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn, 4 May 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.
  42. Minsker, Evan "Neu 50th anniversary box set announced", Pitchfork 30 June 2022
  43. Williger, Johnathan "Neu! created a rhythm that’s still beating 50 years later", The Washington Post September 23, 2022, Retrieved December 18, 2022 2022
  44. Deville, Chris "Sub Pop & Adam McKay’s The Eleventh Hour: Songs For Climate Justice Has New Moby, Cloud Nothings, Deerhoof, & More", Stereogum October 28, 2022, Retrieved December 18, 2022 2022
  45. Pearis, Bill "Pickathon 2022 lineup", Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn, 12 April 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022
  46. https://pitchfork.com/news/announcing-pitchfork-music-festival-berlin-initial-lineup-and-dates-for-paris-and-london-festivals/ "Announcing Pitchfork Music Festival Berlin Initial Lineup and Dates For Paris and London Festivals"
  47. https://www.primaverasound.com/en/radio/shows/rps-presents-the-weekly-review/rps-presents-the-weekly-review-the-daily-review-primavera-weekender-recap "RPS Presents the Weekly Review"
  48. Web site: Chelosky . Danielle . Ben Katzman Of Guerilla Toss Is Currently A Contestant On Survivor . Stereogum . 31 March 2024 . en . 30 March 2024.
  49. Broerman, Michael "Primus, Coheed & Cambria Detail Co-Headlining Summer Tour Ft. Guerrilla Toss, Too Many Zooz, Fishbone", "Live For Live Music", 20 February 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024
  50. Jones, Abby https://www.stereogum.com/2271607/ben-katzman-guerilla-toss-final-vibal/music/", "Stereogum", 15 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024
  51. Hunter, Scott "Dispelling the Misconceptions of Art Rock with Guerilla Toss", "Impose Magazine", Brooklyn, 10 December 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  52. DeMerritt, Paul "Guerilla Toss in transition", "Creative Loafing", Atlanta, 7 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  53. Arcand, Rob "Guerilla Toss - Betty Dreams Of Green Men", "Pitchfork", June 10, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  54. Levinson, Leah B. "Twisted Crystal Review", "Tiny Mixtapes", 2018. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  55. Seling, Megan "Guerilla Toss Confronts Lingering Anxiety on Famously Alive", "Nashville Scene", 14 April 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  56. Leitko, Aaron "Eraser Stargazer Review", "Pitchfork", February 26, 2016. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  57. Brodsky, Rachel. "Guerilla Toss – “Zum Herz”", "Stereogum", July 29, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022
  58. Fiander, Matthew Toss: Eraser Stargazer", PopMatters, March 8, 2016
  59. Kelly, Zach "Gay Disco - Guerilla Toss", "Pitchfork", January 20, 2014. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022
  60. Marilyn, Necci Drew "Extra Noise Juice: An Interview With Guerilla Toss" "Extra Noise Juice" 11 December 2013. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  61. Kennedy, William "Guerillas in the Mist" "Eugene Weekly" October 24, 2019. Retrieved December 18th, 2022
  62. Seling, Megan "Guerilla Toss Confronts Lingering Anxiety on Famously Alive" "Nashville Scene" 14 April 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  63. Odgers, Eliot "Guerilla Toss: “I was so nervous I couldn’t even form words”" Still Listening Magazine. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  64. Konigsberg, Lily "Guerilla Toss and My Idea Have Been Hard at Work", Talkhouse, October 18, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  65. Helfand, Raphael "Guerilla Toss Go Bubblegum, Ballistic on Famously Alive" "The Fader" February 16, 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  66. Segal, Dave "Formerly Demonic Guerilla Toss Become Well Oiled Pleasure Machine on Debut Sub Pop Album" "The Stranger" March 29, 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022
  67. Connick, Tom "10 Best Converge Songs" NME August 10, 2018
  68. Parish, Matt "For Milligram a Little Has Gone a Long Way", Boston Globe, October 12, 2012
  69. O'Niel, Luke "Horror shows - Local bands playing dress-up this week equals scary good times", Boston.com, October 24, 2010
  70. https://gimmiezine.com/2020/07/10/guerillatoss-interview/"Guerilla Toss’ Kassie Carlson: “I don’t need to be super rich or super popular with my music, I just want to see the world and see amazing shit!”
  71. https://wtbazzone.wixsite.com/bazzreviews/post/an-interview-kassie-carlson-of-guerilla-toss"AN INTERVIEW: KASSIE CARLSON OF GUERILLA TOSS"
  72. McLeod, Kembrew "Guerilla Toss on their chaotic origin story and psychedelic new album, ahead of Mission Creek",Little Village, April 12, 2019
  73. Helfand, Raphael "RABBITS & RADIOACTIVE DELAY: A SOUNDTRACK TO THE END-TIMES WITH GUERILLA TOSS", ANTIGRAVITY Magazine, April, 2019. Retrieved 18 Dec 2022
  74. Reyes, Jordan "DIY rockers Guerilla Toss blend whimsy and profundity on Twisted Crystal", Chicago Reader, April 18, 2019. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022
  75. Mason, Amelia "Boston-Born Guerilla Toss Brings Conservatory Focus To Electro-Punk Chaos", WBUR-FM, June 21, 2016. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022
  76. Freedman, Max “What Would the Odd Do?” Guerilla Toss Bid Farewell to Addiction", Bandcamp, October 30, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  77. Helman, Peter 25 best albums of 2022 (so far)" The A.V. Club, June 28, 2022.
  78. https://www.weekinpop.com/features/interview-guerilla-toss"The true grit & glory of Guerilla Toss"
  79. Farrell, Margaret "Guerilla Toss - Twisted Crystal", Pitchfork, September 15, 2018
  80. Stoner, Geoff Toss - Betty Dreams Of Green Men", Tiny Mix Tapes, November 1, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  81. McGregor, Nick Guerilla Toss's Kassie Carlson - The musician opens up about addiction and trying to stay physically and mentally healthy", Salt Lake City Weekly, October 21, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  82. Rettig, James. "Q&A: Guerilla Toss’ Kassie Carlson On Technology Anxiety, “Must”-urbation, And Her Band’s New Album GT Ultra", "Stereogum", July 6, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  83. Murray, Robin "Guerilla Toss Announce New Album ‘Famously Alive’", Clash, January 13, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  84. Lesuer, Mike reinvigorated Boston dance-punks look ahead on their latest single from their forthcoming “What Would the Odd Do?” EP.", Flood Magazine, October 7, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  85. All Songs Considered Mix: Emily Haines, Mt. Wolf, Chastity Belt, Gordi And More", NPR Music, June 13, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2022
  86. Cohn, Amy “Artist Profile: Kassie Carlson of Guerilla Toss”, “Harvard Crimson”, Cambridge, 25 February 2016.
  87. http://www.silentradio.co.uk/03/04/who-are-ya-guerilla-toss/ “Who Are Ya? Guerilla Toss”
  88. https://www.discogs.com/release/4566344-Guerilla-Toss-Gorilla-Toss

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