Toy City
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
A duo comprised of the filmmaker Paul Burke and the sculptor Steve Shaheen, as Toy City the pair birth 9 sonically exciting and ‘90s spirited alt-rock tunes that welcomes John Russell (of Kal Marks) for mixing and producing.
“Do Re Mi” opens the listen with angular guitar work and raw drumming, where the melodic singing and post-punk nods are very much appreciated, and “Dinosaur” follows with strong attention to mood, as the dreamy appeal is met with a radiant warmth.
Elsewhere, “Glue-All” embraces a cinematic approach that emits a strategic buzzing and repetitive singing, while “Figure 5” touches on modern indie-rock ideas that’s both minimal and textured.
Close to the end, “Bicycle Thief” illustrates a gripping ambience that takes nods to post-rock ideas and is full of very skilled drumming, and “Imagine” exits with soft gestures and a hazy demeanor that finishes the listen far too soon.
Even though not a single note was recorded in the same room between the two, the songs here sound like they’re unfolding right in front of you, where Burke’s guitars, vocals, drums and piano suit Shaheen’s bass and midi manipulation that’s got an undercurrent of darkness, but not without striking melody.
Travels well with: Jenn Howard- Valiant Women; Arwen Lewis- Under The Stars