Toad The Wet Sprocket
In Light Syrup
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Toad The Wet Sprocket
In Light Syrup
Columbia, 1995
RiYL: Matthew Sweet, Antenna, Teenage Fanclub |
A talented band stuck with the label of mediocrity, Toad produced a steady output of mature albums truly above '90s radio rock standards. But despite a couple hit singles and a small but devoted audience, the band never quite took its sound to that extra level that would have distinguish it from the decade's ocean of "alternative rock."
The tunes on In Light Syrup complete the picture of Toad's career: collected from the band's first eight years of existence are songs previously released on soundtracks, b-sides and songs from the band's mailing list-only singles. Toad put out one subpar album following the collection, and then disbanded in 1998.
Since Toad defined albums conceptually, this grab bag of rarities misses the factors of cohesiveness and depth of tone that Toad brought to its albums. But In Light Syrup shows another side of the band by juxtaposing some of its more obscure and lighthearted songs.
"Little Heaven," originally released on the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" soundtrack, layers harmonies like a Beach Boys blanket between Todd Nichols' guiding guitar line and Glen Phillips' introspective and uplifting lead vocal.
"All In All," one of Toad's best tracks, is based on a steady chord progression and rolling drums, while Nichols and Phillips' dual lead vocal takes the form of a traditional round, endowing the song with a tone of meditative satisfaction.
Though not fully appreciated, Toad the Wet Sprocket was an inspiration. The band stayed true to its natural motives, even when they was viewed by some as stagnancy. In Light Syrup, in all its variety, proves such a view preposterous.
TROY CARPENTER | Troy Carpenter founded NATN from a Chicago apartment during the ambitious winter of 1998 with co-conspirators Ben French and Jonathan Cohen. After a five-year stint in New York, he and wife Lourdes have recently relocated to Indianapolis, where he spends days listening to music and nights in the kitchen at Elements restaurant. Musical heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Super Furry Animals. What else makes life worth living: Sushi, Phucty, runs in the park, and the Atlanta Braves.