Backed up by The Horrors, UK band TOY released a promising debut album in 2012 that even made it into my top 10 of that year. Their psychedelic rock and shoegaze songs sound refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long for the follow up Join The Dots which was released last month. Its title track sure worked up an appetite for more.
TOY - Join The Dots (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
The record starts off with a long jam 'Conductor'. The track has no vocals and evolves around a repeating theme. While the album progresses it sounds as if the band is searching for their sound. It is swinging between more compact pop songs and psychedelic jams. The band doesn't know which one to pick.
This doesn't always result in the most consistent songs. 'Endlessly' and 'Left To Wander' for example show potential but you still get the idea something is missing. After you're done listening the songs don't leave a lasting impression. However in some songs things do come together and in those moments the band are a delight to listen to. This is most obvious in the title track 'Join The Dots' with its irresistible groove. It combines the best of their pop sound and their psychedelic and shoegaze side. It's one of those songs that will put you in a trance.
The album closes with another long jam. 'Fall Out Of Love' is an almost ten minute trip that seems to go on for ever. It kind of sums up what the album is about. Not all of it is interesting but it has its good parts. Those moments are enough to make Join The Dots an enjoyable listen. It also does show there's enough potential in the band. But for now they are mostly looking for the right balance. And that's okay. I do get the feeling that in the end it will all work out for them.
Listen to 'Join The Dots' on Spotify.
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