TOY – Happy In The Hollow (Tough Love)

Well, David Gilmour may be selling off his guitars, but no need to despair as long as there are bands like TOY around to keep that psychedelic rock flag flying.

Originally from Brighton, TOY have been around since 2010 and Happy In The Hollow is their 4^th album…first for their new label and their first to be self produced.

The recurring adjective used to describe their sound seems to be “propulsive”, and that’s certainly what comes to mind as the needle drops down on opening track Sequence One. The throbbing bass anchors the sing-song melody and Tom Dougall’s reverb-drenched vocals. And for those fearing they may have heard the last of Gilmour’s axe, due to his recent garage sale, there is a thoroughly enjoyable Floydian guitar solo that rears iys head amid the rippling sequencers.

Next track, Mistake A Stranger, is slower, quieter and trippier with a Theremin-style synth making itself heard and a lovely acoustic guitar as a coda.

For those who prefer their Floyd with a touch of Syd, may I direct your attention to Last Warmth Of The Day or You Make Me Forget Myself, either of which will have you dreaming of the Saucerful Of Secrets.

While most of the tunes are upbeat, positive and downright pastoral, the band dips their collective toe into the dark side with Strangulation Day. It’s got an ominous vibe provided by a slow drum machine and harsh synth line. “I live in a box inside your mind” intones Dougall.

Whether they are messing with madness or merely expanding their minds, the 11 tracks that make up Happy In The Hollow provide a choice bit of noise to allow the mind to wander in whatever direction it chooses.

Marty Duda