I wrote this about a week ago, and I just haven't had the time to upload it properly. Guess I can blame the "Easter rush?!" Anyway, this is my review of 12 Stone Toddler's single. It was alright...
Four piece group “12 Stone Toddler” consist of Chris Otero on vocals and bass, Ben Jones on keyboards, Randall Breneman on guitar and Pat Garvey on drums. This track is taken from “Scheming, “their follow-up to “Does it Scare You?” They may sound like your average group, but think again.
As the track begins, it already sounds like a weird fusion of scary-movie-style electronics and modern jazz. Sounds like it could and should never work, but it surprisingly really does, which becomes increasingly confusing and frustrating. The melody may be simple, but it’s instantly catchy and surely recognisable. Added to this, Chris Otero’s vocals show maturity in contrast to the youthful topic of the track.
With the main hook being “this suit just won’t fit me,” it’s obvious that this is a song about wanting to be something different. As clichéd as the lyrics sound- “I want to play the starring role,” in context of being in a movie- they weirdly work very well. Aided by the main backdrop of a drum and keyboard cycle with some overlay of guitar, clapping and vague backing vocals, the track is slowly pieced together until it reaches its slightly disappointing end. Disappointing because it seems to go nowhere, with an ending that sounds like they run out of imagination.
If this track sets the tone for the rest of the album, there should be no doubts that it will shape up to be an original and “quirky” album, one that many have been searching for for some time.
3/5
