Toadies--Play-Rock-Music-c

Remember this band?... It appeared like the Toadies ruled air waves within the mid 90's, following the discharge of Rubberneck in 1994. One song off that album, "Possum Kingdom," has even achieved somewhat cult status in recent years with new generations. Every song on that album was great, and then they just disappeared. Interscope records squeeze kabosh on their followup album "Feeler," which finally saw the light of day this season.

One of the things I always liked essentially the most concerning the Toadies was the dark undertones of their music. I have frequently heard the Toadies called "alt-rock," however they really defy most labels. Part grunge, part heavy drinking bar band, part west Texas/ZZ Top boogie, there is lots to like about this band.

Well, this guitar rock band from Fort Worth, Texas is back again. This time with .Music. The band states in interviews that they felt more freedom recording this record than another, that's good news for us, as the Toadies are best if they are unbridled and doing what they do best.

The album starts out with "Rattler's Revival," an incredible rockin' opener that taught me to be very optimistic in regards to the rest of the tracks. I was further rewarded using the next song, "Low." This is the best around the album, a loud guitar rocker which makes you want to push the pedal down while your driving. This song has pumping guitar and rock steady drumming that starts back and forth from bass line only breaks, to dual guitar down strumming. Songs for the album like "Magic Bullet" and "Epic Castles" keep your tempo and energy up.

"Summer with the Strange" has that dark feel, and it is all about losing control/hold. Lots of whining guitar and rumbling bass lines throughout.

The closest you're able to "Possum Kingdom" with this release would need to be "Beside You." A creepy song which says though "you don't really know me," that "I'll often be closer than you already know."

"Sunshine" is often a twisted ballad, and another track which takes you to Rubberneck, now reminding me very much of "I Burn." A slower tempo song having a rumbling bass line that builds into Vaden Todd Lewis's trademark singing/screaming. The whole song keeps building and pulling back, much like the New York Dolls classic "Frankenstein."

The song "Animals" is the one other classic sounding Toadies tune, about our primal human urge. It's another rocker that repeats "Tonight we're just two animals." Lots of tempo switches along with a booming chorus.

"Laments of an Good Man" is really a less serious song which is filled up with jerky guitar and call and response versus. The chorus switches into a Rollins Band type slow, driving groove... "It's so faithfully to be a man, to be a good man."

Another style be noticeable is "We Burned the City Down." This track is often a full blown Texas blues/boogie track, full of slide guitar. The theme is often a nihilistic commentary current living, "no longer slaves to modern ways" we burned the town down...

The album ends while using slowest song (the sole slow song... ) around the album, "The Appeal." At over six minutes, it is also the longest around the album. This track features some chorus effect guitar, plus a bluesy backbeat. But don't worry, there are a few good build ups, but it never explains the very best just like the other album. You almost need the rest as soon as you are free to this track.

At Possum removal Croydon with the day, it is really an overall impressive release. .Music. might have easily been the check in to Rubberneck back in the 90's. I guess what I'm saying is that this is a Toadies album, an actual one. Although it is the 5th release, it's IMHO by far one of the most vibrant and complete piece of work they've got put out since their debut. It's nice to experience a good rock and roll album come out, it appears as if that seldom happens anymore.