I’ve said it many times, in many ways over the years, but there’s something in the sauce that is the New Jersey-bred blend of amber-hued Americana and heart-on-the-sleeve Emo. Few parts of the great Garden State cook it up better than Asbury Park and hailing from there and steadily rising since their inception is Toy Cars.
The group first hit my radar back in 2014, originally formed as a side vehicle for vocalist/guitarist Matt DeBenedetti. Now a full-fledged quartet, Toy Cars are gearing up to release their most fully realized work to date, Paint Brain.
The album’s latest single, “Iron Me Out,” drives with propulsive rhythms, searing guitars, waves crashing breakdowns and a soaring chorus as a classic NJ theme is examined; getting unstuck.
“This song is about something that is thematic throughout the entire record,” shares DeBenedetti in an interview with Washed Up Emo. “Learning to get through the feeling of complicity and not get caught up with getting too comfortable. This is something we all deal with in our lives on a regular basis, and this song is written from the perspective of a person who feels stuck in a relationship and is debating whether or not to speak up about it.”
Stream Toy Cars’ “Iron Me Out” below and pre-order Paint Brain out January 12th here.
Tour Dates:
01/19 – Asbury Park, NJ – House Of Independents
01/20 – Attleboro, MA – Patterson Creations
01/21 – Lancaster, PA – Lizard Lounge
01/23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Black Forge Coffee
01/24 – Columbus, OH – Donato’s Basement
01/25 – Huntington, WV – Black Sheep
01/26 – Harrisonburg, VA – Golden Pony
01/27 – Baltimore, MD – Raven Inn
01/28 – Philadelphia, PA – Glitter Galaxy
w/ DRMCTHR
