A fresh lineup of veteran musicians has arrived with the formation of Gatta Morta. The new group features Buzz Osborne of the Melvins alongside JD Pinkus from the Butthole Surfers, Coady Willis of the Melvins, and Clinton Jacob from Mr. Phylzzz. This quartet aims to produce heavy, unconventional rock music that builds on the distinct sounds of their individual histories.
Buzz Osborne initiated the project after realizing the potential for a collaboration while on tour last year. He describes the music as solid and strange. JD Pinkus notes that the songwriting process involved working from scratch with players whose styles complement each other. The group operates with a focus on riff-driven tracks that merge classic weight with psychedelic textures.
Clinton Jacob joined the fold after previous professional interactions with Osborne, including an earlier collaboration on a Mr. Phylzzz track. Drummer Coady Willis characterizes the sonic output as asymmetrical psychedelic warfare. The band intends to explore soundscapes that honor their roots while carving out a separate identity.
The project marks a notable point for the involved artists, as both the Melvins and the Butthole Surfers have stayed active with recent releases. The Melvins issued their album Thunderball last year, while the Butthole Surfers released their previously shelved 1998 record After The Astronaut earlier this summer.
Gatta Morta has launched their debut EP through Amphetamine Reptile Records. The four-song collection includes tracks such as Taco Bellboy, Victims Of The Universe, Black Hall, and Clear Smoke. Fans can find physical editions of the music available for purchase. A visualizer for their debut single Black Hall is currently available for viewing.