they are gutting a body of water – KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II (2026)

Since establishing Julia’s War Recordings in 2021, Philadelphia musician Doug Dulgarian has cultivated a platform dedicated to championing innovative indie artists through physical releases, particularly cassettes. Dulgarian, better known as the leader of the shoegaze outfit They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW), has long embraced tangible music formats, reflecting a persistent appreciation for the tactile elements of music consumption. This foundation has informed both his creative output and his entrepreneurial endeavors.

TAGABOW initially emerged in 2017 as a solo project with a tranquil, introspective signature sound. Over time, Dulgarian expanded it into a more dynamic collective that has become a defining voice within modern shoegaze and experimental rock circles. The group’s 2025 album, Lotto, garnered significant acclaim for its audacious approach and relentless energy, cementing their status in the indie music landscape.

Parallel to his artistic pursuits, Dulgarian’s Julia’s War label has played a crucial role in elevating emerging talent. The label has been instrumental in launching bands such as Wednesday and Feeble Little Horse, both of whom have gained substantial critical and audience attention. Julia’s War’s roster continues to diversify, spotlighting promising acts like Cashier and MX Lonely, among others.

Building on these intertwined successes, Dulgarian ventured into a new project with the 2026 release KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II, a sprawling mixtape compilation that assembles over twenty-nine tracks featuring a wide range of collaborators from his label and beyond. This release serves as a multifaceted showcase, blending TAGABOW’s experimental sonic palette with the distinctive voices of Julia’s War’s community.

The mixtape’s collaborative nature illuminates Dulgarian’s commitment to cross-genre fusion and mutual artistic exploration. Tracks like "rodman" feature the intense guitar work and vocal style of Hotline TNT, while Spirit of the Beehive contribute a psychedelic, otherworldly texture to "my Happening." The compilation’s scope extends into hip-hop and electronic realms, exemplified by the footwork-inflected "5dime," produced alongside DJ Manny, which highlights Dulgarian’s aptitude for integrating breakbeats and urban influences.

Further demonstrating this genre fluidity, "yellow dolphins" incorporates emo-tinged guitar loops underpinning verses from rappers RXKNephew and FearDorian, while "stone driveway bypass" juxtaposes playful instrumentals with the irreverent lyrical delivery of meme rappers DupontPavilion and beat fella. These selections underscore the mixtape’s role as a creative meeting ground where disparate styles coalesce.

KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II also emphasizes the amplification of more delicate musical expressions through TAGABOW’s production lens. Greg Mendez’s folk-inspired melodies on "God’s little clown" erupt into waves of digital distortion, transforming the intimate into something sonically expansive. Similarly, LUCY (Cooper B. Handy) takes a pop-oriented sound into experimental territory on "town crier," reflecting the mixtape’s embrace of sonic risk-taking.

The compilation reaches moments of heightened emotional resonance, particularly on "charter spec," where Horse Jumper of Love’s slowcore sensibilities are invigorated with fresh intensity. The track features introspective lyrics delivered with a hushed conviction, illustrating the depth and range of the artists involved. These moments reveal Dulgarian’s evolving approach to songwriting and production, moving from guarded lyricism toward a more collaborative transparency.

More than just a collection of songs, KOOL FAITH / LOOSIES II embodies Dulgarian’s multifaceted role as artist, label head, and curator, weaving together his own creative identity with those of his peers. The project reinforces the symbiotic relationship between Julia’s War and TAGABOW, showcasing a shared vision that continues to push boundaries within the indie music scene.

Details on the mixtape’s full tracklist and further artist collaborations remain sparse, but the release stands as a testament to Doug Dulgarian’s expanding influence and ongoing dedication to fostering a vibrant, interconnected musical community.