ToyQueens — TQ1 — EP Review
Alternative | Rock | Indie
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
It feels incredibly gratifying to finally be writing a review for another local artist, as I don’t normally get chance to do so nowadays. But I could think of no better artist to do this for, than rising rockstar and fellow friend ToyQueens.
To say that I was excited to discover the release of the breakout EP from this artist is an absolute understatement. I was of course there when the very first of ToyQueens’ many amazing singles was released, all the way back in 2020.
For years, I had been excited for these singles to come together under one larger release, and in the musical year of 2023, that time is finally upon us. However, there was plenty of new tracks for me to sink my teeth into. Enter; TQ1.
The release of TQ1 was teased by a number of singles, starting with the release of “Moments” back in late 2022. Since then, ToyQueens has kept the iron hot with a steady release schedule of 2023 tracks, including the likes of “5:42” and “SWITCHBLADE”. And each of these tracks had seen ToyQueens expand their style even further. But hey, I haven’t even addressed that yet for those not in the know, so let me go through that real quick.
The style of ToyQueens is about as moody as they come, and I obviously mean that in the sense that it is the best kind of moodiness. Emanating the aura of a true rockstar, the style of this artist is both nostalgic and current, mixing modern pop and electronic elements to its gothic rock foundation. With that said, I found myself getting so easily bewitched by the gritty sounds of ToyQueens, even after putting my biases aside.
And after listening to this EP, I need no more convincing that ToyQueens has absolutely gotten this aesthetic down to an absolute T! Not only had TQ1 given me the chance to appreciate each of the three new teaser tracks in a whole new way, but the versatile range of new tunes have some absolute bangers to pick from; some of which swiftly finding their place as some of my favourite ToyQueens tracks to date, including the likes of “Nicole” and “Antidote”.
It actually feels quite clear to me after a few listens, that this artist champions a wide range of different sound, proving themselves to be very impressive when it comes to blending different genres together. However, everything together still has that sense of consistency, thanks to the core love-sick aesthetic binding all these tracks together.
In regards to being an EP as well, TQ1 is remarkably generous. Featuring nine tracks, and carrying a runtime just shy of half an hour, this EP definitely has more to offer than most others this year.
I have always told myself, that the moment that ToyQueens finally releases an EP, it would automatically be an eligible contender for EP of the year. But even with my expectations set as high as they were, ToyQueens managed to surpass them, to the point where this easily stands as the best EP I have heard all year so far.
Favourite Tracks: Moments | 5:42 | Nicole | Morpheus | Antidote | SWITCHBLADE | CityCrying
Plastic King Records
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
