Punknews.org

|
Sign In | create an account

Toys That Kill

Flys (2004)
Asian Man Records

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Contributed by: Dane Jackson
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on March 2nd 2004

Even though Toys That Kill have successfully released two full lengths by themselves, this EP from Asian Man Records was my first dose of this San Pedro group, which formed from the ashes of FYP. In a nutshell, their music sounds like an updated and revamped version of a more "classic" punk sound. Within these four tracks, you'll hear abrupt tempo changes, metallic and chunky guitars, and anthemic choruses.

Musically, each song has a life of its own. While each track has an underlying sense of aggression, Toys That Kill isn't afraid to slow things down when necessary, like on "I Am the Fly", which is arguably the best track on the EP. While the lead singer has a very distinctive voice, at times he also sounds slightly like Beck and Blue Meanies' frontman Billy Spunke.

Overall, this is a very impressive EP. It features four tracks from a band that given the right exposure could be huge. If you're sick of the generic assembly line of Hot Topic mall punk bands to come out recently, definitely give Toys That Kill a listen. They're innovative, original, and just plain great. You won't get bored with this band.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.

What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

SammyVicious (September 25, 2007)

They're songs are ok but they're attitude sucks.

Anonymous (March 8, 2004)

Everyone click this link and then the number it tells you to click.

My Army!

Anonymous (March 7, 2004)

poor baby

Anonymous (March 7, 2004)

played with these folk in Connecticut. all i have to say is the guys in Toys That Kill are assholes.

Anonymous (March 6, 2004)

"Seemed like the guy was more concerned with spitting in the air and catching it. Maybe they had an off night, I don't know"

a listener of music who wants the band to have fun only if they are having fun should be in he music business, not in-to music.

wyzo

Mr_Pink (March 5, 2004)

I wasn't impressed when I saw them with D4. Seemed like the guy was more concerned with spitting in the air and catching it. Maybe they had an off night, I don't know. They did pick up on the fact that nobody was into them. I'd be interested in hearing this for the Wire cover alone.

Anonymous (March 5, 2004)

Okayish.

-BSD

Anonymous (March 4, 2004)

this is the best band out there right now!

Anonymous (March 4, 2004)

Jimmy is the worst. He rakes.

CrankWillDestroy (March 4, 2004)

great band. control the sun is a rockin lp. i do like fyp , but i think toys that kill has a much different and more 'mature' sound. I hope a D4/TTK split will be released in the near future.

Anonymous (March 4, 2004)

when you close your eyes for the big sleep, will you think of me?

Anonymous (March 3, 2004)

That was completely horrible. You have no range whatsoever.

Simon Cowell

lushj (March 3, 2004)

Just got this, it's pretty rockin- a natural companion to their GREAT "Control The Sun" LP/CD on Recess. That record was one of my favorite records of 2003 too! Great band live as well, we've been lucky enough to play with them a bunch of times.
Re: the WIRE cover on this ep, "I Am The Fly" is one of my favorite WIRE tunes, and TTK do a rad, slightly off-kilter version of it.
P.S.- You can't compare FYP to TTK, the latter is chunkier and more rock punk, while the former is speedier and fuzzier and more lo-fi. Personally, I think TOYS THAT KILL are even better than FYP.

Anonymous (March 3, 2004)

Great band. Sucks I missed them when I saw D4 and the Larry Arms...
Has anyone read the FYP review on here? Everyone was talking shit about them then, but apparantly like them now...

...evildeadalive