Mental Gymnast – Mental Gymnast (2026)
Beginning as a conversation between two long-time friends, musicians Adam Gecking and Scotty Sandwich, Mental Gymnast was the idea of a band that channelled the energy of Ruiner with emotional, moving, and innovative original music. After those two decided to leap into this venture, Gecking reached out to bassist Erica Clayton, joined shortly by guitarist Jonathan Greco, keyboardist Chris Ruckus and drummer Sam Freeman, who, interestingly enough, has not met the other band members face-to-face. Join us as we delve into their most recent EP, Mental Gymnast.
So, to date, Mental Gymnast has released several singles and two EPs, with both EPs being self-titled. Frontman Gecking mentions that “this is our second self-titled EP… our third will also be self-titled… We are tragically bad at naming things.” Then again, does the title even matter? Not really, and I find it quite amusing that every EP is self-titled; you know who you’re listening to. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Scotty Sandwich, Mental Gymnast (the band) introduce audiences to Mental Gymnast (the band again) with Mental Gymnast (the EP).
Opening with ‘Romance Novels’, you are tossed immediately into a punk-driven whirlpool of sonic chaos. Ferocious drums pound while a soaring guitar and bold bass dance about like mischievous imps, and a shimmering synth rises higher and higher in the track; then everything just crashes down as the keyboard wilts away. Don’t be too complacent as the second track, ‘I Want To Believe’ hits you between the eyes with a heavy punk flair. Ruckus’ keyboards add an off-kilter obscurity, tipping you from one side to the other, while the drums seem to keep pace and the guitars sway along.
‘Stay Warm’ is the shortest track on Mental Gymnast, yet it packs the greatest punch. Instead of an eye in the storm, it’s the moment where Mental Gymnast twirls you around; then ‘The Lowest Bar’ hits. Keeping you spinning at 100 miles per hour, this is potentially the most insane tune of the EP. As with the final track, ‘In4u’, ‘The Lowest Bar’ is frenzied, frantic and, well, a bit chaotic. Palpable tension carries through the mad melodies, placing you on high alert, simultaneously scared of letting go and yearning to take a step away.
With five tracks and a total playing time of six minutes, Mental Gymnast is a breathtaking, soul-shaking, skin-tingling sonic slap in the face. It’s like the final tequila shot after a bottle of rum – it tastes damn good, but is it the best idea? When it comes to Mental Gymnast (the EP and the band), you can bet your sweet patootie it’s a grand idea! Highly recommended.
Find out more about Mental Gymnast on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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