Portland garage rock group Gondos have released their second full-length album Anatomy Of A Hornet’s Nest, delivering a louder, harsher, and more aggressive follow-up to their 2023 self-titled debut.

Recorded live to half-inch tape, the album captures the raw immediacy of the band’s live performances while pushing their sound into heavier and more confrontational territory. Across nine tracks, Gondos blend garage punk, fuzzy alternative rock, and chaotic noise into a tense and fast-moving record packed with sharp riffs and sneering vocals.

Songs like “Contemporary Us,” “When I Go,” and “Stop Calling Me” helped introduce the album ahead of its release and now stand as some of its defining moments. “Contemporary Us” takes aim at influencer culture and internet fame with frantic energy and blown-out guitars, while “When I Go” channels breakup frustration into a loud and melodic punk anthem. “Stop Calling Me” adds another layer of anger, focusing on dead-end jobs and personal exhaustion.

The album marks the first full-length release featuring bassist Elisabeth Zarnick alongside vocalist Aidan Case, guitarist Ben Windheim, and drummer Grant Anderson. Windheim, who is also a member of Portland rock band The Macks, handled recording duties during the sessions.

Rather than polishing away imperfections, Gondos lean fully into distortion, tape hiss, and rough-edged performances. That DIY approach gives Anatomy Of A Hornet’s Nest a restless and unpredictable atmosphere that fits the album’s aggressive themes.

Tracks like “Spit Out Your Teeth,” “Meteor Pusher,” and “Revolution Lust” continue the record’s relentless momentum, mixing loud guitars, pounding drums, and sarcastic lyricism into a chaotic but tightly controlled sound.

Since emerging from Portland’s underground rock scene, Gondos have built a reputation around intense live performances and abrasive songwriting. With Anatomy Of A Hornet’s Nest, the band expand on that foundation while delivering their most focused and explosive release so far.