TOY - Rock skips a beat

If there's been one band this season that has managed, better than any other, to define the current state of British indie-rock, it's the one that goes by the name TOY. The London-based quintet has gathered all the fruits scattered by a scene (around which a good number of bands are active, and which, despite this, still sadly remains unnamed) in growing ferment, and has stamped its own personality onto them, in a stunning debut that has been much talked about in recent months, even beyond the simple circle of enthusiasts. We reached the band's bassist, Panda (aka Maxim Garron), via email for an exclusive interview.

By way of introduction, tell us a bit about how the five of you met and how you put TOY together.

TOY only came together two years ago, but in reality we've known each other for much longer. Tom, Dominic and I went to school together and became friends listening to records like "Raw Power" by the Stooges and "Marquee Moon" by Television. We then met Alejandra and Charlie when we were 18 and moved to London.

Some of you were previously in another band, Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong. What do you remember about that experience?

We were really very young. What I can say is that having played in that band allowed us to understand what we truly wanted to do, and gave us the determination we needed to make our own music.

Why did you decide to call yourselves TOY? Was it a choice driven by a pure desire for simplicity, or is there some other hidden reason?

We decided on this name after we found a trunk of Victorian-era toys. The logo we use is the same one found on that trunk. Also, we wanted something direct, and I think this name reflects the way we make our music - we enjoy experimenting and playing together. Besides, "TOY" can also take on a darker meaning, which I find rather fascinating.

Your sound is very distinctive and composite, able to blend a wide range of styles and genres with real personality and creativity. What are your main influences?

Each of us listens to and loves so many things that it's hard to give a single answer. Anyway, a short list of artists we all appreciate includes Velvet Underground, Broadcast, Sonic Youth, Stereolab, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, My Bloody Valentine, Can, Pulp, Harmonia.

What can you tell us about the songwriting process for your debut album?

The songs weren't all written in the same period. Some date back to our debut as a band, others were composed and finished in the studio while we were recording the album. We really enjoy writing new songs, which usually happens at our guitarist's place (Dominic O'Dair, ed.) or our keyboardist's (Alejandra Diez, ed.). We usually make demos that we then bring into the studio and rework until we get something we're fully happy with.

Where do you draw inspiration from for the lyrics? Is there a concept that ties them together?

The lyrics vary from song to song. Some try to evoke feelings we've experienced, as well as events and situations we've come across. So I'd say we don't work from a specific concept other than focusing on a particular feeling and trying to convey it in the best possible way.

Is there a song on the album you'd call your favourite? Any particular anecdotes connected to the writing and/or recording of the tracks?

The last track, "Kopter", was recorded in a single session together with a high-powered smoke machine and various laser devices. The environment we found ourselves in was simply magnificent: I haven't come across anything like it since. It was wonderful to play under those conditions: it let you completely detach from yourself and fully immerse yourself in the music.

We had the feeling it didn't quite fit within the record. Of course we love the song a lot and we always play it live, but when it came to including it in the album's sequence, its sound just didn't seem to gel with the rest. We thought about recording a new version of it, but then decided it was best to leave it as it was. Besides, it's an eight-minute-long track.

You immediately received the support of Horrors, one of the most important bands on the current English indie-rock scene. What's your opinion on the current state of British rock?

I think it's becoming really exciting again.

Charlie Boyer And The Voyeurs. They're friends of ours, they'll be joining us on our UK tour, and I think they're really good. Think of a cross between Velvet Underground and Modern Lovers.

Yes, I think that's exactly right. They're a great tool for reaching everyone who's interested in what we're doing. Either way, we're still getting used to all of it.

We're really excited to play in Italy, especially in Rome, seeing as we'll have a day off after the show, so we'll get the chance to celebrate. We're already at work on our second album, but we're planning to release an experimental EP quite soon. Our next singles will actually be two EPs containing some really interesting material. In short, there's a lot cooking, we're very busy at the moment.

Thank you! We can't wait to get to Italy!

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