Artwork: Ellie Bingham
Defined in its purest form as ‘to be on the precipice of something new but not quite there yet’, you can find yourself in liminal space physically, emotionally, or mentally. But with the band’s debut record ‘Kaleidoscope’, Toothbrush has proven that liminal space can be brought to life by way of propulsive energy, descending moods, and easy-going sobriety.
Examples of liminal spaces include hotel lobbies, airport lounges, break rooms, hospital waiting rooms, and places of exile - these are all locations that can make someone feel uncomfortable. And with Toothbrush’s post-punk elements that are coiled by a thick obscurity of monotonous vocalism, ‘Kaleidoscope’ can bring you that same neurotic feeling.
Liminal space, in the band’s metaphorical existence, though, lies deeply rooted in their trajectory into the industry they seek to gain riches in. See, ‘Kaleidoscope’ is the beginning of their journey, the genesis of their provocative and intrusive sound, the enzyme of what’s to come. Being their first release as a band, we don’t know too much about them, but we can tell that there is an unloaded cannon somewhere in their artillery waiting to unleash a profusion of temperamental sounds that will amplify post-punk’s menacing revival.
‘Kaleidoscope’ also romanticises the use of cigarettes and alcohol to further diverge listeners down a treacherous esplanade of hazy smoking areas and grimy vistas. All in all, it resuscitates the little amount of soul left in Britain’s back alleys and 3am afterparties. The vocalism is married by the cynical lyricism throughout to furthermore bring about an emphasis on conversational rhetoric’s that are prominent in bands such as IDLES and Slaves.
Toothbrush have introduced themselves supremely to the post-punk revival scene, and with the capital city on their doorstep, we expect them to inject chaos on the streets of London with a live EP release in the pipeline.
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