Bio
As the world shed its skin of the pandemic, Karate, Guns and Tanning focused on traveling, reconnecting with nature and processing traumas old and new. These reflections brought out a desire to explore the psychedelic realms — musically and visually — and to put more emphasis on collaborative and intentional writing.
The result is Krisis Genre, the band’s sophomore release that weaves pulsing rhythms, world music guitar riffs, a fierce low end and dream-like vocals over synthesizers and natural sounds. It’s cosmic, it’s heavy, it’s clear and refreshing. The album requires the listener to buckle up, as the psychedelic world of Karate, Guns and Tanning is an ever-changing landscape.
Recorded in Indianapolis with Wes Heaton and Holy Ground Productions over the span of a few years, Krisis Genre was mixed and mastered by James Aparicio (Depeche Mode, Moby, Spiritualized?, Mogwai) and features artwork by surrealist motion designer Andrew Knives.
Krisis Genre was released May 23, 2025.
Karate, Guns and Tanning is Valerie Green (she/her) on lead vocals, bass, and synths; Joy Caroline Mills (she/her) on guitar, vocals and synths; and Erik Fox (he/him) on drums.
The band is named for an iconic suburban strip mall pylon.
Press
“With so many moving parts at play Krisis Genre could easily have fallen apart under the weight of its own ambition, however, Karate, Guns & Tanning manage to find a sweet spot between their warring genres to craft a truly one of a kind sound.”
"This is one of those albums that allows you to drop out of the world for a while, something we could all do with right now.”
“Karate, Guns & Tanning is the unapologetic, post-punk, industrial sonic exorcism that you didn't know you needed.”