My great friend Dennis Pilon's recent two Record Round Ups on Poprock Record have been excellent and inspiring, particularly his praise of this beauty. Toledo Ohio's are a vehicle for Nick Zander's songs and what songs they are.
Dennis mentioned that the album is Pop Punk adjacent and to some extent it is. That Pop Punk vibe on Hot Young Doctors and Minnow is obvious, but like the best of that genre, the Pop and Rock influence is most prevalent.
The songs at times sound like a rocked up Fountains Of Wayne, whilst also being a little Jeff Rodenstock in his melodic mode when the shoutiness is put to one side. The arrangements are wondrous, built on big riffs and great vocal interplay.
Those arrangements twist and turn unexpectedly and this just makes the listen even greater. Zander's lyrics are exceptional, weighty and have a big dollop of wit and self depreciation. But it is the sheer catchiness of the songs that grab you, vocally and instrumentally.
The choruses are massive and the riffs inventive. The latter hook you completely. Alt. Account straddles Power Pop, Slacker Rock and more. There is a 90s feel at times, but the best of that decade. Too many of that type of album found it hard to keep you interested throughout, almost killer and filler.
This is another reminder to reviewers not to deliver their Best Of Years too early. Equipment could be my new favourite band. Although different in material, they remind me a lot of when I first heard Buddie. The album is jawdroppingly great. Wonderful!
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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Dennis really knows his stuff and is a great musicologist
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