BEST OF SEPTEMBER
"If there was one new act who, I believe, can shake the confines of the L.A. scene and make some ripples elsewhere it's Marvelous Toy. They've got endearing vocals and creative instrumentation that doesn't fit the face of a no-name act... (10/1/08)
...an energy that sounds at home amongst flannel shirts, chlorophyll depleted leaves, and comfortable jeans. Perhaps this band appeals to the senses so well because of the wholesome, comforting sound that is deeply entrenched in an earthy Americana meets independent rock crossbreed. While the weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and even your seasonal wardrobe is shifting - Marvelous Toy has already shed its Summer exoskeleton to make your transition (sound) better. This L.A. quartet is (mainly) the brainchild of Jordan Hudock's powerful voice and strong lyrics, their new EP All Is Quiet is so new that it still has that intoxicating "new smell" on its cover but offers so much I had a difficult time selecting which of the six songs to showcase. However, while the packaging is new the songs have a vibe and polished production that would make you think otherwise. Check out the catchy tunes "The City Is A Washing Machine" and "Waiting For The Fire" which may remind many of a blend of Okkervil River, Bright Eyes, and The Walkmen. A strong sound and very solid EP - one that you can play through and/or on repeat without hesitation. L.A. is a hard city to make it in but I have feeling they'll make it just fine.. keep an eye on this act. (9/18/08)"
- I Guess I'm Floating
"...They make a fine noise that's pure honey for the ears... 'You Were Brighter' sounds like Crash Test Dummies covering Arcade Fire's 'Funeral' while Jeff Tweedy plays with his straggly beard. The band have just released their new EP, 'All is Quiet' which comes with a recommendation from the Devil. Go visit the bands website where you can listen to the tracks and then hit the Go Buy."
- The Devil Has The Best Tuna
"...Manages to once again prove a 4-piece can sound just as good as all those fancy orchestral ensembles while lyrically keeping to that Americana meets British folk troubadour feel that we all love."
- LA-Underground
"...Achieves the enviable balance of staying closely in touch with the zeitgeist while still sounding excitingly original... These six songs have been polished until they sparkle like jewels, with lots of little artistic touches throughout. The melodies are charming, and some call to mind the music of past eras filtered through a modern sensibility... Well-written songs and a painstakingly crafted sound..."
- Performer Mag
BAND OF THE WEEK
"I don't know if local LA act Marvelous Toy has ever even played a show before, but I've had their six-song EP on repeat in my computer since it arrived at the Radio Free Silver Lake corporate offices a week and change ago — and the first track You Were Brighter snuck onto the mix I played outside at Little Radio Summer Camp last weekend. It's that damn catchy... Lots of promise here. One to watch out for."
- Radio Free Silver Lake
"...Marvelous Toy balance deep, heavy-down lyrics with a garagey folksiness that sways with warm and fuzzy optimism — a pitch-perfect note of frazzled, ironic cheer..."
- Flavorpill
"Not many bands out there boast a mad composer as their front man. A cartoon version of Beethoven dashed with the indie cousin of Ben Folds and a hidden streak of Kramer... Local LA band Marvelous Toy certainly bring something as entertaining and eclectically precise as such a combination suggests. I feel like I have my own little secret, waiting to be broken to everyone else. Los Angeles is teeming with local bands who care more about their persona than the music they play, but Marvelous Toy thankfully is in it for the right reasons... Perhaps you’ll see more whimsical Wilco wisps or threads of John Lennon... but either way, I think you’ll agree that Marvelous Toy is a great band on which to train your eye; unpretentious, well-crafted and just damn fun to listen to."
- LA Cityzine
"Indie rock with a touch of folk is just bursting from the seams on this debut EP... Damn the harmonies these guys (and sometimes girl) bang out are so beautiful..."
- Delusions of Adequacy
"Horrible name for a band..."
- Fred from "Demolisten"
SHOW HISTORY:
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