Toy Soldier, The Grand Social, Dublin
- Written by Marky Edison
Toy Soldier are here in the Grand Social tonight launching their new EP Breathe. It’s been three years since their debut album Calling Up The Dusk. The EP features new singer Fionnuala Curran.
There are about 100 people here tonight, not bad for a Thursday night but a band with their ability deserves more. The new release and video should garner them some attention in that regard.
Guitarist Cian Walsh and drummer Fergal McCarthy take their places at either side of the stage as a feedback lead intro builds to a crescendo and McCarthy hammers his drums into life. He beats his skins like a metal drummer and the result is visceral, particularly for those near the front.
Fionnuala appears from the wings in a hood and cloak and joins in on beats for the opening song 'Garden of Eden'. The sound is poor initially. The engineer seems unfamiliar with the band and it is some way into the set before the sound cleans up. When the mix does improve, Toy Soldier shine.
They make a big sound for a three piece. All three line up at the front of the stage and the set-up is rewarding visually as the audience get a clear view of McCarthy’s animalistic, tribal drumming and intriguing hybrid analogue/ digital drum kit.
The drums are very much the lead instrument with all else slave to the beat. There are a lot of layers to the songs. Curran’s lead vocals make for strong songs with big choruses and each member of the group is also singing throughout.
Walsh’s dirty guitars lend another dimension to the set, helping Toy Soldier avoid sounding like just another beat- heavy pop group. They project a danceable, post punk sound and add a sleazy groove that’s reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age or Bon Scott-era AC/DC. The lack of a bass player is more than compensated for by Fergal’s programming, making for a good mix of electronic and organic music.
Comparisons to recent and older acts run rife through the room; Human league and Ting Tings especially. They have been compared to Blondie in the past but I don’t see it; except for their drummer who does come across a little like Clem Burke.
There's no shortage of quality floor fillers here tonight. Lead single 'Breathe' stokes the crowds enthusiasm. A smooth and smart reworking of Everything But The Girl's 'Missing' is greeted with rapture.
Toy Soldier are still raw. They look the part. They have the songs, the theatricality, and the potential to go a long way. They are diamonds in the rough waiting for a chance to sparkle.