TOY – review

TOY: The Shacklewell Arms played host to yet another thrilling band from Hackney

TOY made the walls of the Shacklewell Arms’ shiver on Wednesday night with their psychedelic punk rock.

The five-piece band are the latest local outfit to make it to the pages of the NME and are lauded by the music paper as one of the 20 most exciting new bands of 2012.

Swimming in blue light, with Greek-profiled singer Tom Dougall staring coldly out in the audience, they show that they have a coherent sound.

Charlie Salvidge plays his drums with unexaggerated passion and bassist Maxim Barron proves his skills during ‘Clock Chime’. Unfortunately, the same song doesn’t do singer Tom any favours – he can barely be heard.

Formed in 2010, and consisting of four guys and one girl – all equally long-haired – they accompany their great music with reverb and slight banging of their heads.

The best moments during the eight-song concert are the instrumental breaks.

The sound of TOY literally explodes during the vocals free interlude in the last song, ‘Left myself behind’ – leaving the audience in awe. It’s amazing, and will surely contribute to the band making it all the way to the top.