Philly Indie

TOY SOLDIERS - TELL THE TELLER EP(click photo to listen)

The buzz around the band Toy Soldiers has been gaining momentum in underground circles in Philadelphia for a few years now. Being the total space-case I can be, this was one of those bands I had “been meaning to check out” for a while. Luckily, I came across their newest EP while scrolling through Bandcamp and remembered to sit down and have a listen. I’m happy to say, Toy Soldiers “Tell the Teller”  does not disappoint, these guys are indeed worthy of the buzz. “Tell the Teller” features music that is both soulful and bluesy with an added dash of rock-a-billy flair. The music is beautifully arranged and the use of less tradtional instruments like the organ add a new complexitity to their songs that one does not often hear in today’s rock and country genres.

The song that first drew me (admittedly because it was the first on the EP, duh)  was the title track for the EP, Tell the Teller. I wanted to slick my hair back and alternate between trying to swing dance and moshing. It’s the kind of song that would certainly lure your friends on to the dance floor to stomp their feet and clap along in time with beat. However, for the most part, “Tell the Teller” (the EP, to clarify) tends to have a more serious blues vibe. The other tracks would better compliment a smoke, a shot of whiskey and a perhaps a swaying slow dance instead of a party atmosphere. Yet, this ability to stay true to a unique blues/rock sound while offerings songs for different moods and
situations should earn Toy Soldiers a listen. Their versatility will keep you from getting bored and saves them from the pitfall of having songs that “all sound the same.”

Finally, it is notable to point out that this record was produced by Bill Moriarity, well known for his work on Dr. Dog’s esteemed albums “Easy Beat” and “Be The Void.” Toy Soldiers definitely fit the vibe of both of those albums and would generally be enjoyed by fans of both. Whether you feel like strapping on your best suspenders and going out with your buddies or if you feel like you’d rather sit and nurse a double whiskey, Toy Soldiers has your sound.

—A.H.