Bag of Toys

Nooner

Bag of Toys Records

(Bag of Toys MySpace)

I remember hearing the Bag of Toys track, Surf Song, a year or so ago and at the time I made a mental note to myself that I need to check these guys out. Anyway that note went MIA somewhere and it wasn’t to just recently I finally got to hear the album, Nooner.

I am glad I did, as I was pleasantly surprised. Even though Nooner never drifts too far away from the acoustic reggae jams as featured on Surf Song, it still makes a worthy listen due to the consistent quality of songs. Thankfully the boys dragged themselves away from the beach and into a recording a studio to deliver a comfortable 12 songs through a fast 43 minutes.

This four-piece from San Francisco keeps it tight and funky on tracks like Roll With the Punches and the surefire head bobber The Raven. However, the band hooks you most when they give the music a chance to breathe with This Stuff and the album closer Last Wave.

If the song Share sounds familiar it’s probably because you heard it in the national TV commercial for the Microsoft Zune player (have one and it’s awesome). It may also be because it’s one of those type of songs where it feels like you have heard it many times before, even though it may actually be the first time. I guess that’s the sign of a good song that can appeal to many people.

If you like Jack Johnson, but like me find him a bit too laid back lately to the point of almost boring, Bag Of Toys are a more upbeat substitute for a relaxing summer after-nooner.

Reviewed by Pilipo

Nooner can be purchased online here