The Art of Electronic Rock: Toxic Shock Syndrome

I'll start off by saying that I'm a horrible reviewer...but before you get your panties in a bunch and assume that the statement is a result of a low self-esteem, I'll save you the time and stop you right there.

Now stop.

I said STOP! You see, I'm a horrible reviewer because, as a musician, I appreciate the effort of others as well as appreciate the influences of others. Because of this so-called "music appreciation" (and lax way of seeing different bands and genres), I tend to give most bands an "A" for effort. Not only that, but I'm a very biased being. If I don't like a band (because they suck in bed, are assholes, party too much, are puppy-haters, etc.) I'll give them an "F" for "full of yourself."

I'm not going to lie. Some bands have awesome music, are technically skilled, and can throw a hell of a show, but what's the point of supporting a jerky band that may or may not give back to their fans? Or supporting bands that look bored when they play... or worse, support bands that only play for drugs and *****? Most reviewers only evaluate the music, but I, unfortunately, cannot stick to reviewing only the music. The 'music' comes in a package, and in that 'package' also comes character. So with that said, take this review (and other reviews) for what they're worth, and don't look too much into them. Oh, and please take it easy on the hate-mail.

The actual review:Toxic Shock Syndrome

This band is awesome. I hate saying that about a band who doesn't have an official drummer, but that's OK. Some bands can pull off the whole "we have no drummer, but we have a drum machine" thing. The band is made up of three talented musicians: Drea on vocals, Elyse on guitar and bass, and Rachel on the keys and drum machine.

OK. So what makes them awesome, you ask?

First of all, the guitarist has to be one of the most talented individuals I've ever heard. They almost sound like "Erase Errata" with all their minor/major chord combinations, but are smoother to the ear, and take a little bit more pride in their musical composition.

Their music is a perfect combination of simple, rhythmic beats and eclectic, electric melodies. It's almost like Elyse has perfected the art of mild rhythmic syncopation, and Rachel the art of supplementing such mild syncopation with fun and flattering beats (not an easy feat). But let's not leave Drea behind. Her voice injects soulfulness and depth into a genre traditionally known for its playfulness and randomness. So even though her voice is not traditionally indie, she still manages to remain relevant in respect to the music and listener. If Maya Angelou had a hip younger sister, she still wouldn't sing with half as much depth as Drea. Her voice, almost folk-like at times, punches you in the face, and then remolds you, all in one swing. The words/versus/choruses can seem a bit repetitive on paper, but are actually quite entrancing when you sit down and listen to the music. Both music and vocals mesh fabulously together, and flow magically in your ear and into your brain (getting stuck there for days). I love Le Tigre and a few other electronic/dance (punk) indie bands, but these girls not only have the spunk and playfulness most of the other bands in their genre do, but they also have classical talent, a talent that is arguably missing in that genre as a whole. This is not only music you can dance to, but music you can learn from. Grab a pen and paper, kiddies, and write this down: it is possible to have talent and still have fun.

Genre: Electronic/Dance Indie Punk
Influences: Ratatat, TV on the Radio, Le Tigre
Sounds like: what Elastica would have sounded like if they had more talent; the soundtrack to any Zack Braff movie; what you would listen to if you wanted to get your dance on.
Would buy the record?: Hell yeah!!! (with (3) three exclamation points!)