When the pandemic hit- Hannah van Loon adopted a dog named Gizmo who became a much-needed companion while the Bay Area musician wrote her second album as Tanukichan. Aptly named after her new four-legged friend GIZMO is an exercise in release whether from situational hindrances — a forced lockdown for one — or from self-imposed hedonistic coping mechanisms. To channel the more uplifting spirit van Loon turned to the radio pop-rock of her childhood referencing artists like 311 The Cranberries and Tom Petty with main collaborator Toro y Moi’s Chaz Bear. Existentialism aside GIZMO also sees van Loon break out of her sonic comfort zone. Deftones-inspired thrash drums and screeching electric guitars are gracefully contrasted with van Loon’s hypnotic almost deadpan vocal style and a crystal clear acoustic guitar. Gizmo the dog suddenly passed away right as van Loon finished the album but he’s immortalized with his photo on the cover.