They Are Gutting a Body of Water Announce New Mixtape KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II, Unveil Three Songs: Stream

Philadelphia’s indie shoegaze ensemble They Are Gutting a Body of Water is set to release a new mixtape titled KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II, scheduled for digital launch on October 16, with physical copies arriving November 20 through ATO Records and Julia’s War. This follow-up to their earlier mixtape continues their exploration of mashup artistry, blending diverse influences into a sprawling 28-track compilation.

Ahead of the full release, the band has offered a preview with three new tracks: “kool marder,” which features contributions from labelmate Cashier, along with “the rook” and “free willy.” These selections provide a glimpse into the mixtape’s eclectic nature, which stitches together sounds from a variety of artists admired by the band’s frontman, Doug Dulgarian.

KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II is characterized by its mashup format, combining elements from artists such as Hotline TNT, SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE, RXKNephew, Horse Jumper of Love, and Greg Mendez. These collaborations reflect Dulgarian’s long-standing fascination with mixtapes as a medium, recalling the days when handmade CDs at convenience stores offered a curated yet unofficial collection of favorite songs. This nostalgic inspiration shapes the project’s spirit, which fuses classic mixtape culture with modern digital accessibility.

Dulgarian’s approach to the mixtape is deeply personal, rooted in his early experiences with local DJs and the imaginative possibilities of blending disparate musical parts. His intent was to create a sonic collage that mirrors the unpredictable and sometimes surprising nature of traditional mixtapes, where some pairings resonate strongly while others challenge expectations.

This latest mixtape follows on the heels of TAGABOW’s swanlike (loosies 2020-2023) from earlier in 2024, continuing a thematic series of loosely connected tracks and experimental combinations. The band’s recent studio album, LOTTO, released last year, garnered critical acclaim and helped solidify their place in the contemporary indie scene.

In conjunction with releasing KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II, They Are Gutting a Body of Water will embark on a nationwide tour starting in late October. The itinerary spans major cities including Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia, among others, marking the band’s largest live shows to date. This tour offers fans an opportunity to experience the band’s evolving sound in a live context, further expanding their reach.

The mixtape’s extensive tracklist features a wide array of collaborators, highlighting the band’s commitment to community and genre-crossing experimentation. From the atmospheric tones of SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE to the contributions of electronic and indie artists like DJ Manny and Cooking, the project embraces a broad musical palette.

Pre-orders for KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II are currently available, and the mixtape’s release is accompanied by digital streaming options, ensuring accessibility across platforms. The physical edition’s release through ATO Records and Julia’s War underscores the band’s dedication to maintaining tangible music formats in an increasingly digital marketplace.

While the mixtape draws on nostalgia for early 2000s mixtape culture, it also reflects contemporary trends in music sharing and collaboration, making KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II a noteworthy addition to They Are Gutting a Body of Water’s discography. The project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of creative mashups and the ongoing evolution of shoegaze and indie music.

In summary, They Are Gutting a Body of Water’s KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II mixtape renews their commitment to blending eclectic influences and collaborative spirit, bridging past mixtape traditions with today’s vibrant independent music scene. With new singles released and a comprehensive tour planned, the band is poised to engage audiences both digitally and on stage in the coming months.