Melted Toys’ debut EP Washed & Dried presents itself as a double-edged sword. Every track on the album, without fail, delivers to it’s full potential of psychedelic hazy-bliss. By creating such a well-rounded debut that may give any listener the false notion that these guys have been around forever, Melted Toys sets the bar high for subsequent releases.
The young bay area trio delivers the ideal amount of laid-back yet catching guitar and bass lines coupled with synths and drum machines to create delicately crafted misty pop songs. Tracks like “Come on” and “Washed & Dried” are perfectly complemented by guitarist Steven Harkins quiet vocals, reminiscent of Anthony Gonzalez on M83’s Saturdays=Youth. But, what makes Melted Toys stand out from a slew of other young bands placed in similar genres, is that these guys possess the ability to create a sound and style that is entirely their own. Though this notion rings true in their EP, it can most easily be seen in their live shows.
Pacific Northwest music media project Into the Woods recently filmed the band performing “Portals” at their house in San Francisco. The fog machines and grey sky outside their window perfectly emulates the bands subtle yet haunting performance-one that would be hard to forget.
–Anna Oseran