Review Summary: Rock Reborn
A friend of mine introduced me to
The Airborne Toxic Event, and I was instantly a fan when I started listening to them.
The Airborne Toxic Event are Mikel Jollett (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steven Chen (guitar, keyboards), Noah Harmon (bass), Daren Taylor (drums) and Anna Bulbrook (viola, keyboards, tambourine, backing vocals), they were formed in 2006 and hail from Los Feliz, Los Angeles. As many other bands from LA they had their start in the local club scene and used MySpace extensively to market themselves, very soon Rolling Stone magazine listed them as one of the Top 25 Bands on MySpace. Shortly after they were dubbed as one of the top three LA bands to watch in 2008 by the LA Times. Even as an unsigned band the song "Sometimes Around Midnight" was added to the playlist of some of the most well-known and respected radio stations in LA, Indie 103, KYSR and the much-loved KROQ. With a firm following in the greater Los Angeles area the rest of America started to notice this wonderful sensation, with an appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC and numerous radio stations adding them to the playlist. Very soon the world sat up and noticed, crowds in the UK, Europe and Asia have been entertained and rocked to the core by this dynamic group.
The Airborne Toxic Event have a very unique and incredible sound, with hints of many influences and other artists. For me personally it is a constant jump between the likes of Arcade Fire, Interpol, Silversun Pickups, Editors, OK Go and Hot Hot Heat. Dare I even say The Clash... but more than sounding like all these bands jumbled up together Toxic Event have a very unique, clean and pure Rock sound which is blended very well with great electronic backdrops and string instruments.
So to sum it up, a fantastic vocal performance, memorable lyrics, well crafted hooks and masterful instrumentation. All neatly tied together in a package that is very well produced and will work as roadtrip music just as easily as it would for a braai or random social encounter. I sometimes just put it on while relaxing on the couch or bed. Music that will put a smile on your face and make you play the drums on any surface you happen to have close by.
Highly recommended!
