The Toy Trains, one Portland’s busy kindie bands, has a new CD out and it’s a fun one!
Opening appropriately enough with “Little Toy Train”, it gets rocking right out of the blocks. This country-tinged rocker grabs you by the throat with a great sound and a fun chorus.
Fun, danceable and catchy, this collection of tunes highlights some great songwriting, covering topics ranging from learning to count to 100, growing a garden, sunny days and rainy weather. While it doesn’t necessarily seek to instruct, it does lend itself to exuberance and fun, with high energy songs and a roots-style instrument mix. Who can resist toe-tapping when listening to a banjo?
Reminiscent of the Pixies at times and REM at others, these folks lay down a groove and don’t let go. Vocal harmonies, layered background vocals, tasty mandolin and fiddle, all grab the styles parents will be happy to hang with, and make the kids dance like crazy.
The Toy Trains are Vince Schreck (acoustic guitar and vocals), Christian McKee ( mandolin, banjo and vocals), Brett Donis (drums), Paul Prato (bass), Tricia Rojas (violin and vocals) and Daren Claymon (electric guitar, harmonica and vocals). Mixed and mastered by Christian McKee, the album has a dense and complex sound, but it’s not quite overbearing. Think lots of kids, jumping around, dancing and having a great time. That kind of mix.
A very Portlandish album, this. Very well produced with a simple cover, simple art and a simple aim: fun, dance, and some more fun. Kids will love this record, and parents will have something to enjoy right along with them.
Enjoy Two Rights:
