if you follow me on instagram, you’ll know that i am instigating a fight between #CTmusic and #brooklynmusic. you can consider this post a wartime correspondence, then. as you know, the big city to the southwest of our state is home to many great CT music natives. [Sean Henry, Charlie Bliss, Rosemary Minkler, Connecticut misses you]. last week, a few ex-pat nutmeggers released new music with the band Toobin, and i think it’s really very good. so here’s the deal, i will give you the band’s CT bona fides for your consideration, and i’ll let you listen to the two singles, and then you can report back with if this is #CTmusic or #brooklynmusic. easy enough, right?
Toobin is an indie rock trio formed by Tommy Ordway, Kyle Guffey, and Ben Fischer. Tommy Ordway [guitar/vocals] was in the CT music scene for several years playing in a band called Cult Vacation, which recorded an album at Blind Moose Studios/Slum House. you can also spot him in the “K.I.E.” Greetings video (if i recall, he’s jamming out on a guitar). Kyle Guffey [bass] performed music under her own name, and Ben Fischer [drums] used to manage the 216 DIY venue in New Haven.
ok, so that’s the CT street cred. here’s their new songs, “hemorrhaging light” and “deku scrub”.
recorded by the band, these DIY gems don’t take your attention for granted for even a second. two great songs in less than 4 minutes? what excellent service! “hemorrhaging light” wastes no time and starts immediately with the band (including vocals) kicking in simultaneously. it’s an upbeat pop song that’s melodic, up-tempo, and dynamic. my favorite of the two, it’s the kind of song that reflects an energetic and curious sense of creativity. the second song, “deku scrub”, is a little more quiet, a little more patient, but still just as big-hearted as “hemorrhaging light”. if you cracked the song open, you’d probably find some DNA from Built to Spill, an early Frankie Cosmos LP, and probably the word “nice”.
all right dear reader, now it’s your turn: listen to these songs and let me know if they are #CTmusic or #brooklynmusic. this is a very important decision for you, so please listen to these songs several times before making your final judgment. and, if you like what you hear, stay tuned for upcoming Toobin shows in Connecticut…
