ALBUM REVIEW: TOY (self titled)

Listen Up Manchester Album Rating: 8/10

The debut self titled album from the band TOY is a triumph!

From the ashes of the ill fated Jing Jang Jong - Joe Lean's backing band - unfortunatly we had the (mis)pleasure of seeing him with his "me me me..... did I tell you its all about me" attitude, he never really allowed the Jing Jang Jong to shine. After a few years regrouping and finding thier own style & sound (and with some moral support from the Horrors) TOY have emerged as something quite special. The album is a good blend of psychedelia with dreamy pop melodies, echoes if somewhat vacant vocals and pulsating guitars. Also its good to see an album of decent length - about an hour long - that keeps its quality throughout.

Stand out tracks for Listen Up Manchester are the single: Motoring, the dark instrumental: Drifting Deeper, & the album finale: Kopter. Enjoy TOY!!!



PS. they are even better live! Catch them at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester on the 28th October!