GT ULTRA

Guerilla Toss on GT Ultra feel more like a 1980s New Wave or Art Rock band than like somebody associated with the term "Progressive Rock". They sound compact, straight and danceable (they weren't quite like this in the past as far as what I've heard). They deserve the "progressive" label though for subverting the listener and giving us something more complex than it sounds on the surface; particularly the straightness of the rhythm is often deceptive, and they come up with some nice sonic ideas, particularly how guitars and synthesizers build the rhythm together from a rich palette of sounds. The harmonies are not the most familiar ones either, and I really like how they make all this sound like a collection of simple if edgy pop songs. What is key here is the competence and confidence with which Guerilla Toss lay down their compositions. There is no showing off and no unnecessary fuss, but the core of the music is strong, sharp and surprisingly sophisticated when looking closer. The musicians don't put any toe wrong and in front singer Kassie goes on about her job in such an unassuming casual and cheeky manner that it comes as a big surprise how much she actually does (including her own backing vocals) and what a variety of styles she presents when listening in more analytic mood.

The closest comparison is probably the B-52s with some Killing Joke, This Heat and Funky Town thrown in (if you can imagine what this combination gives), but with some added complexity played in a dazzling mix of light touch and sharp precision. At a disappointing 29 minutes length they deliver a compact homogeneous package of forward driving rhythm and fun oriented but still inventive music that won't drive the dancers off your party but the prog fans may still like it. Highly recommended if you like it straight and sharp with a twist.