Toothbrush – Kaleidoscope (2022)
Merging elements of post-punk, grunge and rap, UK-based Toothbrush has an unforgettable and captivating sound. With only one single streaming online, the six-piece might be considered the new kids on the blog, but if they are then they’ve done a good job of turning heads with their introduction. Featured on Our Sound Music, Less Than 1000 Followers, Clout, Fresh on the Net and various other press, Toothbrush is reaching audiences worldwide. Come with us as we delve into the band’s debut single ‘Kaleidoscope’.
Reminding me of The Streets and their track ‘Fit But You Know It’, Toothbrush layers British-inflexed spoken word over a melodic arrangement – but that is pretty much where the similarities end. Distorted guitars and pounding drums belie the gruff vocals filling the track with a sonic grittiness that is almost palpable. I don’t know if I could call ‘Kaleidoscope’ catchy, but it does have an infectiousness that would have you hitting the repeat button continuously.
Unique and eclectic, Toothbrush impresses with the well-textured melody; however, it is the vocals that truly enchant. Raw, gruff and brutal, the lyricism follows the protagonist’s mindset and its descent into a dark pool of confusing angst. Initially, I found the song amusing as the artist introduces himself as British but devoid of politeness in that situation, but that soon changes – I mean the amused grin and not the lack of politeness. As the song progresses, there is a raging tirade of brutally honest thoughts from not assuming a lack of enemies means you have friends to accepting that our world is one where we are not supposed to succeed.
Alongside the spoken word, we have breaks with bold, rich choruses being sung by one of the lads. Powerful, sincere and warm, I can see people singing along to this chorus while the anthemic ‘Kaleidoscope’ is performed live. The odd thing is, while the chorus is charming it is the spoken word and screams that carry a sense of sincerity. Digging deep into human fragility, the lads ooze vulnerability in their single ‘Kaleidoscope’.
For more from Toothbrush check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
