Tuesday, April 10, 2018

The Toxenes "Hot Rod"

(Killjoy Records 2017)

Hot Rod
Green Room
Caveman
Alley Cats

I was in Minneapolis a (good) few years ago. The Toxenes were probably running around in their nappies causing all sorts of mayhem down the crèche back then. But fast forward a (good) few years and the trio of Twin Cities temptresses are unleashing their blend of garage punk with a big whack of toughness and a side order of seduction. This is the follow-up 45 to their début album which came out on cassette a while ago on Killjoy. I don't have a tape deck but I do have a sexy turntable so this is my first introduction to the band. Snarling guitars, tight bass lines and crunching drums abound. Add to this concoction vocals that exude attitude and throat-slitting sexiness and you just know these girls are the rock'n'roll real deal. Three self-penned ditties and a cover of The Pandoras' (I Want My) Caveman. As usual for Killjoy Records, it's limited to 500 pieces (400 black vinyl, 50 purple...only available from the band, and 50 turquoise only available from Killjoy). The song Alley Cats is also the title song of a short film by Nyala Sarita which you can find out more about here and here! The Toxenes are the perfect musical choice given the premise for this film and the tracks on this EP are testament to that fact. Our very own mini-girl gang. Pleasing on the ear and eye but not so much on the jaw if you so much as look at em crooked.
The O'Prez

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