
Rough and raw? On Song, by Toad? Never! And bloody hell this is rough. I reviewed Ryan Schmale's previous release late last year, but is rather definitely a different beast. There remain almost none of the glowering, atmospheric songs of this record's immediate predecessor, and in their place a near-unrelenting cloud of angrily sneering guitars. There's a whiff of old time rock 'n' roll at times too, although just the barest hint. I was reminded of early (really early, as in: when they weren't just a bit dull) Raveonettes just a little at times, but the association was [...]