San Francisco’s Melted Toys are a tough band to pin down. They’re certainly a shoegaze band, but their debut EP “Washed And Dried” explores such a variety of sounds within the mandatory, echoing trimmings of that genre that it’s not immediately clear just what form this three piece will settle on when they get round to writing their first full length, if they settle at all. Opening track “Come On” is part jangle pop, part dream pop, an inviting haze that lulls you gently into the EP.
“Wild Waves”, the following track, may have the necessary reverb and subdued vocals to qualify as shoegaze, but it’s basically straight up beach rock. The title track meanwhile is driven by mellow, almost hypnotic synths reminiscent [dare I say it?] of Gary Numan. Thankfully, Melted Toys’ songcraft is great, and their talent for melody holds the diverse EP together.
Now they’ve got a new single, a track called “Rose Again” which is appearing on a split 7″ that also features a deliciously summery tune from Dominant Legs. Listening to “Rose Again”, it’s clear that Melted Toys will always have us staring down at our laces, but that they’ve no intention of getting samey. Sure, it’s another beachy sort of hook with softly softly vocals, but wait for the chorus and hear those guitars crunch like you’re listening to “The Bends“, and you’ll know that, again, Melted Toys are trying something new.
Here’s hoping they keep at it. You can stream the “Washed And Dried” EP via the SoundCloud link, download “Rose Again” below or even pick up the limited run 7″ here. Check ‘em out.
Connect with Melted Toys – Myspace | Facebook | Last.fm | SoundCloud
