Album Review: Toxcow – The Art Of Deception

After forming over 20 years ago, and then disbanding 13 years ago, and then reuniting 4 years ago, Toxcow finally release their latest album ‘The Art of Deception‘, which follows their EPs ‘Such A Happy World’ (2004) and ‘Spoilen Party’ (2006). It may read like a troubled history, but the Toulouse quartet are made up of 3 family members and a friend – their return coming after members went on to play in I Was A Teenage Alien and Copy of a Copy. The years haven’t changed the band, or their stylings, which they describe as “fast and melodic tunes..90s style.”

As if that’s like 30 years ago. The opening flurry of snare hits in ‘Modern Lives’ goes straight back there. It’s tiiiiiiiight, with some lovely interchanges between hits of melody and driving chords. “We need to relearn how to be happy with simple things..” they remind us. Yeah, like retrospective punk noises. The stuttery, complex ‘Fly Over The Clouds’ follows – high-end ‘wooooahs’ and a squealing solo round out the skate vibes nicely. ‘The Biggest  Waste’ is built around a flash of fuzzed-up rock n’ roll that melts into a punky progression that develops into a whistled outro.  ‘1994’ (what a year that was, he reminisced) is the album’s big track. *Bonus points for how many band names you find hidden within the lyrics* Cleverly, the band tease breaking into a chorus several times, but when it comes..oh, that marching drum build, oscillating notes and warm bass pay off in an exquisitely anthemic gang vocal..“We’re the kids..” indeed. ‘Chill Down’ sticks to the formula, showcasing how exacting the guys are. It’s sometimes staggering to see how precise they can get – next example; the neat touches in the scurrying ‘Deep Space’. The chug and break of ‘My Worst Friend’ is an invitation to another sing-along – “Since you have entered my mind I love you as much as I hate you”, while next track ‘Father and Son’ is a reminder of how touching, and poignant, the guys can be underneath their pacey exterior. ‘Close The Box’ sounds like an album-ender..and the end of the world. A counterpoint bookend to ‘Modern Lives’, it’s populated by moon-landing conspiracists, fake news propagators and those who denounce the pandemic. Welcome back to 2020 (!)

Like punk that honours the 90’s with heart, head and harmonies? ‘The Art Of Deception’ is available through Lost Dog Records. The band also have Facebook and Instagram pages to follow.