Toys: The Electrifying Force of Modern Garage Rock

Toys is a dynamic garage rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 debut album, which charted in the top 20 nationally and spawned several certified gold singles.

Early career

Formed in 2014, the band's founding members met while studying at a Melbourne arts university. Their initial sound was a raw, lo-fi blend of punk energy and classic rock riffs, honed through relentless gigging in local pubs and basement venues.

This DIY ethos led to their first self-released EP, "Static Buzz," in 2015. The EP's growing buzz on community radio and streaming platforms caught the attention of independent label Dusty Records, which signed the band the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut LP, "Neon Heartache," on Dusty Records. Lead single "Rattle Can Romance" became an instant alternative radio hit, propelling the album to number 18 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

"Neon Heartache" was later certified gold in Australia, with "Rattle Can Romance" and the follow-up single "Shatterproof" both achieving gold certification for sales and streams. This success cemented Toys' place at the forefront of a new garage rock revival.

Key tracks

Rattle Can Romance — This breakthrough single defined their signature high-energy sound and became their first gold record.

Shatterproof — The song's anthemic chorus and driving rhythm secured heavy rotation on rock radio formats internationally.

Neon Heartache — The title track from their debut album showcases their ability to blend melodic songwriting with gritty guitar work.

Velocity Blues — A later single that highlights the band's evolution towards a more polished, yet still powerful, production style.

Static Buzz — This early track from their first EP remains a fan favorite and a staple of their explosive live performances.

Building on this momentum, Toys embarked on extensive international tours and released their sophomore album, "Feedback Loop," in 2021. The record debuted in the top 30 and featured a notable collaboration with veteran producer Jim Diamond, known for his work with The Dirtbombs and The White Stripes.

The band's most recent work includes a 2023 collaborative single with fellow Melbourne rock act The Living End for a charity compilation. Toys continues to write material for a third studio album, promising a further refinement of their garage rock foundations.

Fans of the raw energy of Jet will appreciate Toys' revivalist spirit and punchy songcraft. Their melodic sensibilities share common ground with You Am I, another pillar of Australian rock. The driving rhythms and modern production also draw comparisons to international acts like Royal Blood.

The music of Toys maintains a strong presence on radio stations featured on this website. Their catalog receives regular spins on dedicated alternative rock radio stations and classic rock FM stations that champion guitar-driven music, ensuring their anthems reach a broad audience of rock enthusiasts.

Listeners can discover the electrifying garage rock of Toys on radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their certified hits and latest tracks across a curated selection of independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams featured on our platform.