Guerilla Toss

{{short description|American art rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Guerilla Toss | image = Guerilla Toss Live, November 16, 2022.jpg | landscape = yes | caption = Guerilla Toss performing in 2022 | origin = Boston, MA, United States | genre = {{flatlist| *Dance-punk *neo-psychedelia *art pop *noise rock *space rock *no wave (early) *punk rock (early) }} | years_active = 2011–present | label = {{flatlist| *Sub Pop *DFA *Feeding Tube *NNA Tapes *Infinity Cat Recordings *Tzadik Records *Sophomore Lounge *Orange Milk *Grönland Records }} | website = {{URL|guerillatoss.com/}} | current_members = *Kassie Carlson *Peter Negroponte *Arian Shafiee *Zach Lewellyn *Jake Lichter | associated_acts = }} '''Guerilla Toss''' is an American rock band, formed in Boston in 2011. Now based in New York City,<ref name = "bostonglobe2015">Johnston, Maura [https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2015/10/20/guerilla-toss-returns-cambridge-chaos-intact/7Svi4jbldQOSX9nYOHozUN/story.html "Guerilla Toss returns to Cambridge, chaos intact"], "Boston Globe", Boston, 21 October 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2016.</ref> 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 six studio albums, seven EPs, and three remix albums, on various underground labels, DFA Records and more recently on Sub Pop.<ref name="stereogum.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2172503/guerilla-toss-famously-alive-cannibal-capital/music/|title = Guerilla Toss Announce New Album 'Famously Alive': Hear "Cannibal Capital"|date = 12 January 2022}}</ref> They were listed in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine as one of the "10 Great Modern Punk Bands"<ref name = "rollingstone">[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/10-great-modern-punk-bands-20160413/guerilla-toss-20160413 "10 Great Modern Punk Bands"], ''Rolling Stone'', New York, 13 April 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> and Henry Rollins has called them "one of the first great bands of the new century".<ref>Rollins, Henry [https://feedingtuberecords.com/releases/live-in-nashville/ "Live In Nashville, Feeding Tube Records"] "Guerilla Toss - Live In Nashville"</ref>

== 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.<ref name = "flavorwire">Ruiz, Matthew Ismael [http://flavorwire.com/572135/flavorwire-video-premiere-guerilla-toss-technicolor-acid-test-gets-doused-in-perfume "Flavorwire Video Premiere: Guerilla Toss’ Technicolor Acid Test Gets Doused in 'Perfume' "], Flavorwire, 19 April 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.</ref><ref name = "cambridge">Levy, Marc [http://www.cambridgeday.com/2013/12/04/guerilla-toss-performs-tonight-and-here-are-10-things-you-might-want-to-know/ "Guerilla Toss performs tonight, and here are 10 things you might want to know"], "Cambridge Day", Cambridge, 5 December 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> Carlson first met Guerilla Toss when her former hardcore band, Western Syndrome, performed with the group at a house show.<ref name = "soundrenaissance">Price, Dillon [http://www.soundrenaissance.net/gtoss-eraser-stargazer/ "Guerilla Toss- Eraser Stargazer"], "Sound Renaissance", 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.</ref> Around this time is when Guerilla Toss' members consider the band to have truly started.<ref name = "flavorwire"/><ref name = "cambridge"/> thumb|Guerilla Toss performing at Gay Gardens on July 21, 2012. From left to right: Kassie Carlson and Simon Hanes. 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.<ref name = "thedeli">[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"], "The Deli Magazine", Boston, 17 February 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2016.</ref> In May 2013, Guerilla Toss released an EP, ''GTOSS'', through Tzadik Records, the record label owned by avant-garde composer John Zorn.<ref name = "bostonglobe2013">Parish, Matt [https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2013/01/03/boston-indie-rock-watch-list/dRrdEJ2Fk6Idl0A2D9ifgI/story.html "A Boston indie-rock watch list"], "Boston Globe", Boston, 3 January 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2016.</ref> 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<ref name = "adhoc2013">Bucciero, Joe [http://adhoc.fm/post/guerilla-toss-god-fearing-sex-symbol/ "Guerilla Toss: "(God Fearing) Sex Symbol""] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807055950/http://adhoc.fm/post/guerilla-toss-god-fearing-sex-symbol/ |date=2013-08-07 }}, Adhoc.fm, New York, 30 July 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2016.</ref>

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.<ref name = "pitchforkgaydisco">[http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18920-guerilla-toss-gay-disco/ "Guerilla Toss Gay Disco"], "Pitchfork", Chicago, 20 January 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2016.</ref><ref name = "spinartists">[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"], "Spin", New York, 26 November 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2016.</ref> In July 2014, they released their next EP, ''367 Equalizer'', through Infinity Cat Recordings.<ref name = "stereogum2014">Bowe, Miles [http://www.stereogum.com/1684795/guerilla-toss-367-equalizer-stereogum-premiere/mp3s/ "Guerilla Toss – "367 Equalizer" (Stereogum Premiere)"], "Stereogum", 4 June 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref><ref name = "Rolling Stone">[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"]</ref>

Towards the end of 2014 the band released the EP, ''Smack The Brick'', through NNA Tapes.<ref name = "nna">Sugarman, Mike [http://adhoc.fm/post/guerilla-toss-be-breeder/ "Guerilla Toss: "Be the Breeder""] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514133615/http://adhoc.fm/post/guerilla-toss-be-breeder/ |date=2015-05-14 }}, Adhoc.fm, New York, 28 October 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> 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.<ref>Pearis, Bill [http://www.brooklynvegan.com/guerilla-toss-r-1/ "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.</ref><ref>Pearis, Bill [https://www.brooklynvegan.com/thee-oh-sees-pl-6/ "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.</ref>

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

Guerilla Toss relocated to New York City during the summer of 2015.<ref name = "bkmag">Klingman, Jeff [http://www.bkmag.com/2015/11/02/guerilla-toss-brooklyn/ "Guerilla Toss Is Brooklyn’s Best New Band (from Boston)"], "Brooklyn Magazine", Brooklyn, 2 November 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref>

On June 24, 2015, Guerilla Toss opened for seminal Boston post-punk band Mission Of Burma in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.<ref>Sears, Ken [http://www.ifitstooloud.com/2015/06/live-shows-mission-of-burma-and.html "Live Shows: Mission of Burma and Guerilla Toss, 3S Artspace, Portsmouth, NH 6/24/15"], "If It's Too Loud", Retrieved 15 December 2022</ref> The band's leader, Roger Miller is a self proclaimed fan.<ref>McBride, Cathal [https://thethinair.net/2016/04/out-of-oblivion-into-the-light-an-interview-with-mission-of-burma/ "Out Of Oblivion Into The Light: An Interview with Mission of Burma"], "The Thin Air". Retrieved 15 December 2022.</ref> 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.<ref name = "mystatesman">Caldwell, Patrick [http://www.mystatesman.com/news/entertainment/music/guerilla-toss-creates-exuberant-noise-you-want-to-/nqfmh/ "Guerilla Toss creates exuberant noise you want to dance to"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816163148/http://www.mystatesman.com/news/entertainment/music/guerilla-toss-creates-exuberant-noise-you-want-to-/nqfmh/ |date=2016-08-16 }}, "My Statesman", Austin, 9 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> The band's first release through them was the EP ''Flood Dosed'' in October 2015, which was met with some acclaim.<ref name = "stereogum2015">Rettig, James [http://www.stereogum.com/1845785/25-great-eps-from-2015/franchises/2015-in-review/ "25 Great EPs from 2015"], "Stereogum", 2 December 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref><ref name = "digboston2015">Corcoran, Nina [https://digboston.com/30-best-local-albums-of-2015-2/ "30 Best Local Albums of 2015"], "DigBoston", Boston, 30 December 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref><ref name = "hassle 2016">Clark, William F [http://bostonhassle.com/body-in-the-sand-wydyde/ "Wydyde – "Body in the Sand""], "Boston Hassle", Boston, 24 March 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> thumb|Guerilla Toss performing in Brooklyn, NY at Union Pool in 2018. From left to right: Sam Lisabeth, Stephe Cooper, Kassie Carlson, Peter Negroponte, Arian Shafiee

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.<ref name = "consequence2016">Arroyo, Steven [https://consequence.net/2016/03/album-review-guerilla-toss-eraser-stargazer/ "Guerilla Toss – Eraser Stargazer"], "Consequence of Sound", Chicago, 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.</ref> 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.<ref name = "flavorwire" /> 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.<ref name = "fact">Bowe, Miles [http://www.factmag.com/2016/05/27/guerilla-toss-live-in-nashville-giant-claw/ "Guerilla Toss get remixed by Giant Claw and destroy an audience with Live In Nashville"], "Fact", London, 27 May 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.</ref>

In June 2017, Guerilla Toss released ''GT ULTRA'', their second full-length album release on DFA Records.<ref name = "stereogum gt ultra">Rettig, James [http://www.stereogum.com/1948597/stream-guerilla-toss-gt-ultra/music/album-stream/ "Stream Guerilla Toss GT Ultra"], "Stereogum", 23 June 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2017.</ref> The LP received positive reviews.<ref name="GT Ultra Review">Jarnow, Jesse [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/guerilla-toss-gt-ultra "GT Ultra Review"] "Pitchfork" July 2017. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> 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"<ref>Fantano, Anthony [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJmjvul_6sw "GT Ultra ALBUM REVIEW"] 5 July 2017. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.</ref> and included it on his "Loved List: 2017"<ref>Fantano, Anthony [https://www.theneedledrop.com/loved-list/2017/1/loved-list-2017 "Loved List 2017"] Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2006167/guerilla-toss-meteorological-video/video/|title=Guerilla Toss – "Meteorological" Video|date=2018-07-18|work=Stereogum|access-date=2018-11-28}}</ref> 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.<ref name = "varietyreview">Aswad, Jem [https://variety.com/2019/music/reviews/ep-review-guerilla-toss-what-would-the-odd-do-1203413935/ "EP Review - What Would The Odd Do?"], Variety", Nov 23, 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2022.</ref> The band continued to tour, opening for Battles in Toronto, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Boston in December 2019.<ref>Alejandra Mataon, Maria [https://vanyaland.com/2019/12/12/photo-gallery-battles-and-guerilla-toss-live-in-boston/ "Photo Gallery: Battles and Guerilla Toss live in Boston"], "Vanya Land", 12 Dec 2019. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref>

=== Signing to Sub Pop, ''Famously Alive'' (since 2022) ===

[[File:Guerilla Toss - Pavement.jpg|thumb|Kassie Carlson with members of Pavement in 2022. From left to right: Mark Ibold, Kassie Carlson, Bob Nastanovich, Steve West, Stephen Malkmus.]]

On June 15, 2020, the band released 2 songs as part of the Sub Pop 7" club, "Human Girl" and "Own Zone".<ref name = "undertheradar">Small-Samantha [https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/guerilla_toss_share_new_songs_human_girl_and_own_zone "Guerilla Toss Share New Songs Human Girl and Own Zone"], "Under The Radar", 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.</ref>

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.<ref name = "stereogum2022">Rettig, James [https://www.stereogum.com/2172503/guerilla-toss-famously-alive-cannibal-capital/music/ "Guerilla Toss – "Cannibal Capital"], "Stereogum", 12 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022.</ref> The LP received positive reviews.<ref name = "brooklynvegan2">Reyes-Kulkarni, Saby [https://www.popmatters.com/guerilla-toss-famously-alive-review "Guerilla Toss Famously Alive Review"]Pop Matters", 25 March 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.</ref><ref name = "Pitchfork">Freedman, Max [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/guerilla-toss-famously-alive/ "Famously Alive Review"] "Pitchfork", 28 March 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.</ref> Nick Forté, of the seminal hardcore punk band Rorschach, is credited as co-writing two songs on the album.<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/famously-alive-mw0003652448/credits "All Music: Famously Alive Credits"]</ref><ref name = theplayground>[https://www.theplayground.co.uk/tp-mix-145-guerilla-toss/ "TP Mix #145 - Guerilla Toss"] "The Playground". Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref>

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.<ref>Everhart, Josh [https://www.avclub.com/pavement-interview-30th-anniversary-reunion-tour-1849501992 "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.</ref> It was announced in May that they would open in San Francisco, Troutdale, and Seattle.<ref name = "brooklynvegan">Pearis, Bill [https://www.brooklynvegan.com/pavement-announce-tour-openers-horsegirl-the-goon-sax-steve-gunn-more/ "Pavement Announce Tour Openers"], "Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn, 4 May 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022.</ref> 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.<ref>Minsker, Evan [https://pitchfork.com/news/neu-50th-anniversary-box-set-announced-with-new-tribute-album/ "Neu 50th anniversary box set announced"], Pitchfork 30 June 2022</ref><ref>Williger, Johnathan [https://www.washingtonpost.com/music/2022/09/23/neu-michael-rother-motorik/ "Neu! created a rhythm that’s still beating 50 years later"], The Washington Post September 23, 2022, Retrieved December 18, 2022 2022</ref>

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.<ref>Deville, Chris [https://www.stereogum.com/2204364/sub-pop-adam-mckays-the-eleventh-hour-songs-for-climate-justice-has-new-moby-cloud-nothings-deerhoof-more/music/ "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</ref>

Guerilla Toss toured extensively throughout the year, playing festivals such as Pickathon,<ref>Pearis, Bill [https://www.brooklynvegan.com/pickathon-2022-lineup-built-to-spill-sons-of-kemet-hurray-for-the-riff-raff-valerie-june-more/ "Pickathon 2022 lineup"], Brooklyn Vegan", Brooklyn, 12 April 2022. Retrieved 14 Dec 2022</ref> Pitchfork Berlin and Paris,<ref name = "pitchfork">[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"], Pitchfork 30 June 2022</ref> and the Primavera Weekender.<ref>[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"]</ref>

Frequent collaborator and former Guerilla Toss bassist Ben Katzman was a contestant on ''Survivor 46'', which aired in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chelosky |first1=Danielle |title=Ben Katzman Of Guerilla Toss Is Currently A Contestant On Survivor |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2257596/ben-katzman-survivor-46-guerilla-toss/news/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=31 March 2024 |language=en |date=30 March 2024}}</ref>

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,<ref>Broerman, Michael [https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/primus-coheed-cambria-summer-2024-co-headling-tour/ "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</ref> with Katzman rejoining the band on second guitar and vocals. The collaborative single with Katzman "Final Vibal" was released in July.<ref>Jones, Abby [https://www.stereogum.com/2271607/ben-katzman-guerilla-toss-final-vibal/music/"], "Stereogum", 15 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024</ref>

=== ''You're Weird Now'' (since 2025) ===

On May 6th, 2025, Guerilla Toss released the single "Psychosis is Just a number".<ref name="Stereogum Psychosis is Just a Number single announce">{{cite web |last1=Briehan |first1=Tom |title=Guerilla Toss – "Psychosis is Just a Number" (Prod. Stephen Malkmus) |url=https://stereogum.com/2306917/guerilla-toss-psychosis-is-just-a-number-rod-stephen-malkmus/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=May 6, 2025}}</ref> In June 2025, the band announced a North American tour for their upcoming album ''You're Weird Now''. The first single "Red Flag to Angry Bull" was released on June 17th, featuring Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and Stephen Malkmus, who is credited as producing the album at The Barn.<ref name="Relix Article">{{cite web |last1=Moderelli |first1=Rob |title=Guerilla Toss Tap Trey Anastasio for “Red Flag to Angry Bull,” Previewing Stephen Malkmus-Produced ‘You’re Weird Now’ |url=https://relix.com/news/detail/guerilla-toss-tap-trey-anastasio-for-red-flag-to-angry-bull-previewing-stephen-malkmus-produced-youre-weird-now/ |website=Relix |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=June 20, 2025}}</ref> The LP received positive reviews<ref name="Far Out Magazine Review 2025">{{cite web |last1=Cross |first1=Reuben |title=Guerilla Toss – ‘You’re Weird Now’ album review: Thankfully, as bizarre as ever |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/guerilla-toss-youre-weird-now-album-review/ |website=Far Out Magazine |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=September 10, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Pop Matters Review">{{cite web |last1=Eogahn |first1=Lyng |title=Guerilla Toss Capture an Essence with ‘You’re Weird Now’ |url=https://www.popmatters.com/guerilla-toss-youre-weird-now |website=Pop Matters |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=September 16, 2025}}</ref> most noticeably by music critic Anthony Fantano, who called it the bands "best work thus far"<ref name="Needle Drop Review">{{cite web |last1=Fantano |first1=Anthony |title=Guerilla Toss - You're Weird Now |url=https://theneedledrop.com/album-reviews/guerilla-toss-youre-weird-now-album-review/ |website=The Needle Drop |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> including it at #4 on his "Top 50 Album of 2025" and #2 on his "Top 5 Rock Albums of 2025" year end lists.<ref name="Needle Drop Top 50 Albums of 2025">{{cite web |last1=Fantano |first1=Anthony |title=Top 50 Albums of 2025 |url=https://theneedledrop.com/opinion/top-50-albums-of-2025/ |website=The Needle Drop |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=December 22, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Needle Drop Top 5 Rock Albums of 2025">{{cite web |last1=Fantano |first1=Anthony |title=Top 5 Rock Albums of 2025 |url=https://theneedledrop.com/opinion/top-5-rock-albums-of-2025/ |website=The Needle Drop |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

The band finished their tour in December 2025 with 5 east coast dates opening for labelmates Built To Spill.<ref name="GT / Built to Spill">{{cite web |last1=Vock |first1=Casey|title=Snapshots: Built to Spill w/ Guerilla Toss @ Ottobar — 12/17/25 |url=https://parklifedc.com/2025/12/23/snapshots-built-to-spill-w-guerilla-toss-ottobar-12-17-25/ |website=Parklife DC |access-date=January 14, 2026 |date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== Artistry == ===Musical style=== Guerilla Toss's earlier work has been labeled as art rock,<ref name = "impose2013">Hunter, Scott [http://www.imposemagazine.com/features/guerilla-toss-talk-gay-disco-nna-tapes "Dispelling the Misconceptions of Art Rock with Guerilla Toss"], "Impose Magazine", Brooklyn, 10 December 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2016.</ref> no wave,<ref name = "cl">DeMerritt, Paul [https://creativeloafing.com/content-161303-guerilla-toss-in-transition "Guerilla Toss in transition"], "Creative Loafing", Atlanta, 7 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2016.</ref> noise rock,<ref name="fact"/> and punk,<ref name="rollingstone"/> namely for their odd time signatures and dissonant instrumentals. Throughout their DFA years, critics noted the addition of psych,<ref>Arcand, Rob [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/19187-guerilla-toss-betty-dreams-of-green-men/ "Guerilla Toss - Betty Dreams Of Green Men"], "Pitchfork", June 10, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> krautrock, new wave,<ref name = tinymixtapes>Levinson, Leah B. [https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/guerilla-toss-twisted-crystal "Twisted Crystal Review"], "Tiny Mixtapes", 2018. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> funk and dance music elements to the bands sound, often being compared to artists like Talking Heads,<ref name="GT Ultra Review"/> The B-52's,<ref name = "nashvillescene">Seling, Megan [https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/features/guerilla-toss-confronts-lingering-anxiety-on-i-famously-alive-i/article_b47f3936-ba90-11ec-9c3e-6b8adc2e2ed3.html "Guerilla Toss Confronts Lingering Anxiety on Famously Alive"], "Nashville Scene", 14 April 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> Boredoms,<ref name = pitchfork2016>Leitko, Aaron [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21572-eraser-stargazer/ "Eraser Stargazer Review"], "Pitchfork", February 26, 2016. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> Brian Eno, and Grace Jones.<ref name=tinymixtapes/><ref>Brodsky, Rachel. [https://www.stereogum.com/2194726/guerilla-toss-zum-herz/music/ "Guerilla Toss – “Zum Herz”"], "Stereogum", July 29, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2022</ref> Carlson's vocal style has been compared to that of Lizzy Mercier Descloux,<ref>Fiander, Matthew [https://www.popmatters.com/guerilla-toss-eraser-stargazer-2495446250.html"Guerilla Toss: Eraser Stargazer"], PopMatters, March 8, 2016</ref> Laurie Anderson,<ref name = tinymixtapes /> and Kathleen Hanna.<ref>Kelly, Zach [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18920-guerilla-toss-gay-disco/ "Gay Disco - Guerilla Toss"], "Pitchfork", January 20, 2014. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022</ref>

===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.<ref>Marilyn, Necci Drew [https://rvamag.com/music/extra-noise-juice-an-interview-with-guerilla-toss.html "Extra Noise Juice: An Interview With Guerilla Toss"] "Extra Noise Juice" 11 December 2013. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref><ref>Kennedy, William [https://eugeneweekly.com/2019/10/24/guerillas-in-the-mist/ "Guerillas in the Mist"] "Eugene Weekly" October 24, 2019. Retrieved December 18th, 2022</ref> They have cited artists such as Charli XCX,<ref name = "nashville scene">Seling, Megan [https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/features/guerilla-toss-confronts-lingering-anxiety-on-i-famously-alive-i/article_b47f3936-ba90-11ec-9c3e-6b8adc2e2ed3.html "Guerilla Toss Confronts Lingering Anxiety on Famously Alive"] "Nashville Scene" 14 April 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> Andy Stott,<ref name=theplayground/> Caroline Polachek,<ref name = stillisteningmagazine>Odgers, Eliot [https://www.stilllisteningmagazine.com/features/guerilla-toss "Guerilla Toss: “I was so nervous I couldn’t even form words”"] Still Listening Magazine. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> Arca,<ref name=theplayground/> Arthur Russell, and Boards Of Canada<ref name="talkhouse.com">Konigsberg, Lily [https://www.talkhouse.com/guerilla-toss-and-my-idea-have-been-hard-at-work/ "Guerilla Toss and My Idea Have Been Hard at Work"], Talkhouse, October 18, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> as recent influences. The band dubbed the sound of ''Famously Alive'' as "Hyper Punk"<ref name = thefader>Helfand, Raphael [https://www.thefader.com/2022/02/16/guerilla-toss-go-bubblegum-ballistic-on-famously-alive "Guerilla Toss Go Bubblegum, Ballistic on Famously Alive"] "The Fader" February 16, 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> (a play on the genre of Hyperpop), fusing elements of pop and electronic music into their sound with a maximalist approach.<ref name = thestranger>Segal, Dave [https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2022/03/29/69431120/formerly-demonic-guerilla-toss-become-well-oiled-pleasure-machine-on-debut-sub-pop-album "Formerly Demonic Guerilla Toss Become Well Oiled Pleasure Machine on Debut Sub Pop Album"] "The Stranger" March 29, 2022. Retrieved 15 Dec 2022</ref> Carlson's older brother is singer Jonah Jenkins of Only Living Witness<ref>Connick, Tom [https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/10-best-converge-songs-2365174 "10 Best Converge Songs"] NME August 10, 2018</ref> and Milligram,<ref>Parish, Matt [https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2012/10/04/scene-and-heard-for-milligram-little-has-gone-long-way/AilBQgmEoWfaqmShoHVCcM/story.html "For Milligram a Little Has Gone a Long Way"], Boston Globe, October 12, 2012</ref> 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.<ref>O'Niel, Luke [https://archive.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2010/10/24/local_bands_playing_dress_up_this_week_equals_scary_good_times/ "Horror shows - Local bands playing dress-up this week equals scary good times"], Boston.com, October 24, 2010</ref> 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.<ref>[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!”] ''Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie Zine'' July 10th, 2020</ref><ref>[https://wtbazzone.wixsite.com/bazzreviews/post/an-interview-kassie-carlson-of-guerilla-toss"AN INTERVIEW: KASSIE CARLSON OF GUERILLA TOSS"], ''Bazz Reviews'', April 28, 2019</ref><ref>McLeod, Kembrew [https://littlevillagemag.com/guerilla-toss-on-their-chaotic-origin-story-and-psychedelic-new-album-ahead-of-mission-creek/ "Guerilla Toss on their chaotic origin story and psychedelic new album, ahead of Mission Creek"],''Little Village'', April 12, 2019</ref><ref>Helfand, Raphael [https://antigravitymagazine.com/feature/rabbits-radioactive-delay-a-soundtrack-to-the-end-times-with-guerilla-toss/ "RABBITS & RADIOACTIVE DELAY: A SOUNDTRACK TO THE END-TIMES WITH GUERILLA TOSS"], ''ANTIGRAVITY Magazine'', April, 2019. Retrieved 18 Dec 2022</ref> Several members of Guerilla Toss are avid fans of The Grateful Dead.<ref name=chicagoreader>Reyes, Jordan [https://chicagoreader.com/music/diy-rockers-guerilla-toss-blend-whimsy-and-profundity-on-twisted-crystal/ "DIY rockers Guerilla Toss blend whimsy and profundity on Twisted Crystal"], Chicago Reader, April 18, 2019. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022</ref><ref>Mason, Amelia [https://www.wbur.org/news/2016/06/21/boston-guerilla-toss "Boston-Born Guerilla Toss Brings Conservatory Focus To Electro-Punk Chaos"], WBUR-FM, June 21, 2016. Retrieved 19 Dec 2022</ref> 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.<ref name="talkhouse.com"/>

===Lyrical themes===

Carlson's lyrics often deal with subject matter such as substance abuse and recovery,<ref name=bandcamp>Freedman, Max [https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/guerilla-toss-kassie-carlson-what-would-the-odd-do-interview “What Would the Odd Do?” Guerilla Toss Bid Farewell to Addiction"], Bandcamp, October 30, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref><ref>Helman, Peter [https://www.avclub.com/the-25-best-albums-of-2022-so-far-1849036087/slides/10"The 25 best albums of 2022 (so far)"] The A.V. Club, June 28, 2022.</ref> growing up in poverty,<ref>[https://www.weekinpop.com/features/interview-guerilla-toss"The true grit & glory of Guerilla Toss"]''Week In Pop''. October 1, 2019. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> religious fanaticism,<ref>Farrell, Margaret [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/guerilla-toss-twisted-crystal/ "Guerilla Toss - Twisted Crystal"], Pitchfork, September 15, 2018</ref> the psychedelic experience,<ref>Stoner, Geoff [https://www.tinymixtapes.com/chocolate-grinder/watch-guerilla-toss-betty-dreams-green-men"Guerilla Toss - Betty Dreams Of Green Men"], Tiny Mix Tapes, November 1, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> mental illness,<ref>McGregor, Nick [https://www.cityweekly.net/BuzzBlog/archives/2019/10/21/guerilla-tosss-kassie-carlson" 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</ref> technology, climate change,<ref>Rettig, James. [https://www.stereogum.com/1944724/qa-guerilla-toss-kassie-carlson-on-technology-anxiety-must-urbation-and-her-bands-new-album-gt-ultra/interviews/ "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</ref> self motivation,<ref>Murray, Robin [https://www.clashmusic.com/news/guerilla-toss-announce-new-album-famously-alive/ "Guerilla Toss Announce New Album ‘Famously Alive’"], Clash, January 13, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> depression<ref>Lesuer, Mike [https://floodmagazine.com/69493/premiere-guerilla-toss-find-their-own-truth-on-future-doesnt-know/"The 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</ref> and alien abduction.<ref>''All Songs Considered'' [https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/06/13/532653030/new-mix-emily-haines-mt-wolf-chastity-belt-gordi-and-more"New Mix: Emily Haines, Mt. Wolf, Chastity Belt, Gordi And More"], NPR Music, June 13, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2022</ref> 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.<ref name = "harvard">Cohn, Amy [http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/2/25/guerilla-toss-interview/ “Artist Profile: Kassie Carlson of Guerilla Toss”], “Harvard Crimson”, Cambridge, 25 February 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.silentradio.co.uk/03/04/who-are-ya-guerilla-toss/ “Who Are Ya? Guerilla Toss”], “Silent Radio”, Manchester, 4 March 2016, Retrieved on 22 May 2016.</ref>

== Members == {{col-begin}} {{col-1-of-3}} '''Current''' * Kassie Carlson - vocals/violin (2012–present) * Peter Negroponte - drums (2011–present) * Arian Shafiee - guitar (2011–present) * Zach Lewelleyn - bass (2021–present) * Jake Lichter - keyboards (2024–present) '''Current Touring Members''' * Ben Katzman - guitar/vocals (2024–present) * William Dantzler - visuals (2015–present) * Matthew Mann - visuals (2022–present) * Watley - dog (2018–present) {{col-2-of-3}} '''Former''' * Andy Allen - saxophone (2011) * Simon Hanes - bass (2011-2014) * Ian Kovac - keyboards (2011-2014) * Ben Katzman - bass (2015-2016) * Stephe Cooper - bass (2018-2021) * Sam Lisabeth - keyboards (2015-2023) {{col-3-of-3}} '''Former Touring Members''' * Borey Shin - keyboards (2011) * Toby Aronson - keyboards (2014) * Pat Keuhn - bass (2014) * Phil Racz - bass (2015) * Greg Albert - bass (2016-2017) * Katie McShane - keyboards/vocals (2023)

===Timeline=== {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:90 top:5 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2011 till:{{#time: m/d/Y }} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2012 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2013 Legend = position:bottom orientation:vertical columns:3

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== Discography == {{col-begin}} {{col-1-of-2}} '''Studio albums''' * ''Gay Disco'' (2013) * ''Eraser Stargazer'' (2016) * ''GT Ultra'' (2017) * ''Twisted Crystal'' (2018) * ''Famously Alive'' (2022) * ''You're Weird Now'' (2025) '''EPs''' * ''Jeffery Johnson'' (2012) * ''Kicked Back into the Crypt'' (2013) * ''GTOSS'' (2013) * ''Guerilla Toss'' (2013) * ''367 Equalizer'' (2014) * ''Smack the Brick'' (2014) * ''Flood Dosed'' (2015) * ''What Would the Odd Do?'' (2019) '''Live albums''' * ''Live in Nashville'' (2016) '''Singles''' * "Human Girl"/"Own Zone" (2020) {{col-2-of-2}} '''Remixes''' * Giant Claw – "Giant Claw vs. Guerilla Toss" (2016) * Jay Glass Dubs – "Jay Glass Dubs vs Guerilla Toss" (2017) * Khotin and Yu Su – "Retwisted Crystal" (2019) '''Music videos''' * "367 Equalizer" (2014) * "Doll Face on the Calico Highway" (2016) * "Perfume" (2016) * "Color Picture" (2016) * "The String Game" (2017) * "Skull Pop" (2017) * "Betty Dreams of Green Men" (2017) * "Dose Rate" (2018) * "Meteorological" (2018) * "Plants" (2019) * "Cannibal Capital" (2022) * "Life's a Zoo" (2025) {{col-end}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

Category:Musical groups from Boston Category:Rock music groups from Massachusetts Category:2012 establishments in Massachusetts Category:DFA Records artists