This band used to be called "Big Bone". Get your mind out of the gutter, it's nothing phallic, we're talking about a girl's spine here. The band decided to change their name. And came up with Toenut. Yeah well, whatever it takes. I can't stop thinking about an old Hipgnosis album cover done for a group named Toefat. But I digress.
A youthful, energetic sound out of Atlanta with ringing guitars and soaring vocals, Toenut are not afraid to unleash waves of noisy guitar from time to time, nor to let anarchy roll all over the songs, and yet manage deftly to keep things under control. This idea of destabilising the listener is very much reminiscent the early (rock-ish) XTC albums and That Petrol Emotion albums. The opening track "Seizure" annouces the shape of things to come. Reminds me in many ways of earlier That Petrol Emotion records. Other similarities include Sonic Youth meets the B-52's, or a grungier version of The Go-go's. Kate, the vocalist, has a voice that at times sounds like Helen Fraser (vocalist of Cocteau Twins).
One of the more bizarre songs is "Hookworms". Yep, the chorus is a sample of a mad scientist exclaiming "There they are... hookworms!". Also "Dinnerbell", which appears to be the recording of someone shrieking into an intercom.
Personal favourites include the title track ("information/32nd theme song"). It uses samples from cult TV show The Prisoner. Although the canonical use of The Prisoner in a song must be Colourbox's "Just give 'em whiskey", give 'em credit, for they're the first group that actually bothered to *pay* for the usage. I just like the way the song see-saws between thrash, grunge and peaceful guitar strumming. "Trilogy" is another track that gives an insight to just how sharp these people must be on stage. A chance for everyone to rock out, time changes to keep you off guard, and then before you know it, we've moved into the very smooth "Heyward" which is definitely my favourite. Or maybe the instrumental "Leviathan", with its rampant signature changes. Then again, there's their debut single as well, a "Mouthful of pennies". Or...
Lots of good stuff here. Under the cover of inherent silliness, there are some pretty slick musicians. You've got to be sharp to be able to carry off this kind of music live. I'm sure that's where their strength lies. Hopefully, people will be able to take the opportunity to see them.
