Dear Seattle release their third studio album, TOY, today- and it’s without a doubt their best yet. Forming in 2013, the group has made a name for themselves among the Aussie indie rock scene, and if you’re an avid gig-goer, then chances are you’ve caught them live a few times, whether it be a headline show, a festival or opening for another legendary act. While their previous work will always hold a nostalgic place in my heart, it’s clear that TOY is bigger and better than anything they’ve done yet, while still staying true to the signature Dear Seattle sound.
Working again with Fletcher Matthews, who also produced their massively successful debut EP in 2017, this album was a return to form for the group. Opening with “Nothing’s Stopping Me Now”, it’s apparent from the very beginning that the group has matured in their songwriting ability and the production has stepped up to a whole new level.
“Promise” and “Courtney Love” are solid tracks, with the latter being a definite standout. It’s a high-energy track from the very beginning, with an insanely catchy chorus- overall, a very fun song. The improvement in production is especially apparent here, with the guitar riff and crisp drums really standing out.
Things slow down a bit with “Evergreen”, “Say What You Want” and “Counting Hours”, which are perfectly placed on the record. “Counting Hours” in particular remains a standout, and has already cemented itself as a fan-favourite, with its live debut earning a positive reception on their most recent Australian tour.
“We Were So Close” is hands-down my favourite track on this record. It tells the story of two friends who have naturally drifted apart, and the lyrics are perhaps some of the best Dear Seattle have ever written, with the line “who we are right now doesn’t change us then” hitting hard in the best way.
“Sungazer” follows, another track that was released prior. Instrumentally, this one has a lot of fun things going on- from the whimsical guitar riff in the intro and chorus, to the stripped back vocals and drums taking the verses. “Cut My Hair” is yet another standout. The contrast from the grungy instrumentals to the melancholy vocals give this one an overall darker aesthetic, which is fitting given the nature of the track, with lyrics focusing on the internal struggle of wanting to appear confident without people thinking you’re arrogant.
Next up is “Elastic”, which is reminiscent of their older records while still maintaining a fresh sound. Fisher’s vocals shine on this track, and the bridge is one of my favourite moments on the entire record. “idc” is such a fun song, with so many interesting elements. Not only is the melody guaranteed to get stuck in your head, but the fun guitar riffs, electronic elements throughout and the grungy outro are the cherry on top. “Reckless Pessimistic” is- surprise, surprise- another fantastic track. It has such an epic, anthemic feeling, and my only critique is that it would be better-suited for the closing track.
Speaking of closing tracks, the album closes with their Like A Version cover of Missy Higgins’ hit “The Special Two”- an odd choice, feeling quite out of place on the record. While this cover is a favourite among fans, I feel that it lets the album down slightly especially since the dip in audio quality is a bit jarring. I personally think a re-recording would have lifted the quality and tied it all together more neatly, however it feels so disconnected from the rest of the record that I’d almost consider it to be a bonus track.
Overall, TOY has such a genuine feel, carrying a fresh sound while still dripping with that Aussie-rock charm that Dear Seattle does so well. While there are standout moments, there certainly aren’t any low points, with the exception of the last track. The lyrics on this record are some of their best, with relatable themes that will surely resonate deeply with listeners, and the instrumentation and production elevate the record to an entirely new level. TOY is a stellar album.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Toy from Dear Seattle is out now. Grab a copy HERE
You can read Sarah’s interview with lead singer Brae Fisher HERE
Photo credit; Charlie Hardy
