It would seem that an explosive new EP from Buffalo’s Ismatic Guru is becoming a yearly tradition. Dating back to 2021 when they released their self-titled debut, the duo comprised of John Toohill (Science Man) and Bran Schlia (Clump) have returned yearly with a new batch of freaky “egg punk” leaning art punk weirdness. While the run time is always brief, the duo pack in as much wonky discordance as will fit, their songs rattling with an untamed energy. Following last year’s II EP, the band are back with… you guessed it, III, out today via Swimming Faith and Steak and Cake. In true Ismatic Guru fashion, the music is equal parts deranged and groovy, sounding something like a mix between Devo, US Maple, and This Heat played on fast forward. There’s not a moment to think as the Toohill and Schlia spend the five plus minutes in frantic free fall, but each song is cohesive and complete, their intentions wasting no time.

From lead single “Mind Fever” to the dizzying discordance of “White Rabbit,” Ismatic Guru take us on a journey that would suggest our brains have been melted. It’s a savage trail of bouncing rhythms and carnival-esque synths, with motion and momentum at it’s core. The solos are condensed and vibrant, ripping out in a matter of seconds, their impact felt in brevity. As drums cascade over themselves, the band are triumphantly stumbling into upending tempos with their mutant sheen well in-tact. There are elements of noise rock thrown in for good measure on tracks like “A Nice Man,” adding a sense of grit to the technicolor surge. It’s music to get weird too, because it’s truly the only option. Via Post-Trash