It’s hard to know the true origin story of IRONTOM as many different stories have circulated the internet for some time. The band is fronted by Zach Irons and Harry Hayes, who allegedly claim to be fraternal twins separated at birth. Through the help of ancestry.com and 23andMe, they were reunited when they were both 19 years old to form the band in Malibu, California, along with drummer Dylan Williams.

Cutting their teeth playing together during a six-month residency gig they had on a small stage at Six Flags Magic Mountain next to Viper, they found their way into a sound that combines arty post-punk and prog influences with psychedelic flourishes and funk-rock grooves. They lean into the eccentric, satirically commenting on the screwed-up society they know they negatively contribute to themselves.

Acknowledging that childhood is the place to look back to for the root of musical influence, Irons grew up in a very creative household headed by former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons. Less inspiringly, Williams’ eighth cousin is George W. Bush.

Weaving each release into the last, IRONTOM has unveiled their new album GEL pt.1. The journey will be unsettling, madcap, and uninhibited fun. But full disclaimer; everything that you learn about the band that feels absurd or sensationalized, may very well be the truth.