TOEHIDER

The soundtrack to a comic book artist's story line by Aussies Michael Mills and Andrew Saltmarsh, respectively.

Line-up / Musicians: - Mike Mills / everything

1. "The Hoarder" (single version) (3:13) reminds me of The Psychedelic Ensemble's sound used to put together a "Bohemian Rhapsody"-inspired Queen song. (9/10)

2. "I Have Little to No Memory of These Memories" (47:47) What starts out sounding like a more-manically re-invisioned MOON SAFARI's Blomljud turns into Devy TOWNSEND's Ziltoid the Omniscient 3.0 via the instrumental sounds used by Berklee College's NATIVE CONSTRUCT on their 2015 revelatory Quiet World. Later familiar themes, styles, and sounds come in the form of early and classic RUSH, THE BUGGLES' The Age of Plastic, AC/DC, QUEEN, IRON MAIDEN, POISON, STYX, THE POLICE, BON JOVI, QUEENSR?CHE, OPETH, ARJEN LUCASSEN, PAIN OF SALVATION, and so many more. The instrumental sounds so often bring me back to The Psychedelic Ensemble. Unfortunately, the way Mike has strung together so many seemingly unrelated musical styles into this one compact homage to musicians past reminds me of one of my most detested musical products of all-time: Edge of Sanity's (highly-acclaimed) release from 1996, Crimson. I do think it a bit misleading that the very-clearly delineated musical motifs aren't individuated and given separate titles as they so easily could. Heck, there's even dead-air space between many of the songs! Some of the ideas are so derivative that I can't help but think "why?" And the linking of such divergently different motifs (or what I'd call "songs") is quite a bold and, frankly, odd decision--despite the story's (supposed) continuity. The music is very well-composed and "performed" despite it all having been "performed" by one lone artist on one single track. (Just kidding. We must assume that Mike used some kind of computer program to create and/or record each individual instrument's track.) The sound engineering and final mix is quite well-executed. (Again, we must assume that the engineering and mixing also occurred on a computer.) Impressive skills (at least compositionally if not instrumentally). On YouTube most everything you find about Mike/Michael make note of his extraordinary vocal talents/abilities. I have to agree: the man is quite talented and has obviously worked hard to hone his skills; his voice (and stylistic choices) seem quite adaptable to many styles and ways of expressing his emotions and lyrics. (89/95)

Total Time 51:00

An album that draws together many different sound themes from many bands through history (many of whom I have cited above). I highly commend the collection of styles Mike has so lovingly (and accurately) imitated in this, a composition that is very much his own. The sound and production are both excellent with clear delineation between instruments yet blended seemlessly together to make "complete"-sounding "songs" all. Also, the humorous lyrics and storyline are enjoyable (especially as they are delivered by such a gifted vocalist), even if the ideas they're based on are not so very original. As mentioned above, I am not so confident commending the musicianship of the sound we hear due to the question of how much of the instrumental performances are computer generated and how much were actually played by Mike. Also, noting how I've never been a big fan of music that strings together motifs from other historically significant (or recognizable) songs and artists, despite how serious and well done are the tributes, I am naturally inclined to want to not like these kinds of "homage" projects. Despite all of this, I cannot deny the fact that I like this album: I walk away with its sounds and ideas reverberating in my head; I find that I very much enjoy each time I return to the album. Also, I cannot, and will not, deny the genius of the man who pulled all of this together. Mike, you deserve all the accolades the critics are willing to throw your way. The bottom line: this is good music; this is an enjoyable, fun listen.

A/five stars: a masterpiece of progressive rock music; an album worthy of inclusion in any and every prog lover's music collection. I have a feeling that as this album gains traction (as more people hear it) it will eventually establish itself as one of prog's all-time classics.

The album has one track only. But what a track it is. It is a story and a literal journey to an alien planet and back. This 47'47" track has so many switch-ups, you would expect it wouldn't work as a cohesive unit. But it does and that alone is amazing.

From the first second, I was invested. The vocal harmonies are so cool. From then on, time flew by.

I consider this album a tribute to many artists that shaped our music. Most are related to prog or metal, but I hear others too. I don't have the intention of being complete, but here's a selection of artists I hear odes to: Queen, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Van Halen, Rush, The Police, But I also hear 80s electronics, all kinds of metal influences.

It is almost unbelievable this is all created by one man, Michael Mills. He has been a guest singer on Ayreon records. His singing on this album is stunning too. It's incomprehensible to me he did all the voices himself. He sounds powerful and energetic. But his musicianship is brilliant too. Drums, guitar, keys, it doesn't matter. It all sounds great.

The story is imaginative, funny, and absurd at times. I understand there are two endings to this. I only know the happy one. I am interested to learn about the bad ending too.

How is it possible to switch from metal to 80s pop to electronics to ripping guitar solos to whatever comes next to totally surprise and excite you?

I have listened to many albums from 2022 and I have quite some favorites indeed. But nothing gives me such a great feeling while listening to it as this one from Toehider.

This is a definite 5-star album for me. And my prog album of the year 2022!

Listening diary 16th August 2021 Toehider - Do You Believe in Monsters? (progressive rock/metal, 2010)

This is the only release I've heard from Toehider's manic 12 EPs in 12 months period, and it does signal that I really should check more of them out, since this is probably my favourite release from him. It's the usual Mike Mills affair, sitting partway between theatrical musical comedy and Devin Townsend, but this time he doesn't forget to write good tunes too, with a couple of these being devilishly catchy. Even if you can't stomach his usual overload of gimmickry (and occasionally I can't), this is still a good release on musical terms alone, and is arguably a better intro to his music than any of the full- lengths.

7.1 (5th listen)

Part of my listening diary from my facebook music blog - www.facebook.com/TheExoskeletalJunction

This album is so rich in lyrics and musical styles, it keeps on giving. It is really when all the amazing songs on past albums came together. In this day and age, it's not impressive to only play one or two instruments really well. You need to be the whole band! It's the mix of musical styles that makes this so impressive, the album is full of 'wow' moments, not only the multi-layered vocals, but the songwriting, lyrics, guitars and world class drums and keys. So many different styles. The album showcases the obviously well-studied musical knowledge of Mike Mills, multi-instrumentalist and vocal genius, who has gotten the attention he deserves due to his inclusion as one of the world class vocalists on Ayreon's last couple of albums. Toehider's music is probably best described as eclectic progressive metal. There's a solid dose of speed metal, 80's rock, 80's disco, contemporary top 40, funk, rock opera, country, etc, mixed with some reflective and also hilarious story-telling lyrics and given a visually distinctive artistic look by illustrator Andrew Saltmarsh. The album opener, 'GO FULL BORE!' Is a wonderful speed metal ditty with a great video clip. The lyrics are hilarious as is the brief Bathory black metal interlude. 'Well Give It' is a thumping disco song, 'The Ultimate Exalter' is another standout as is 'He's There and He Does That'. But really, every song is strong with a bunch of instrumental and mood changes and other layers of orchestration to keep you interested. I didn't really mention the vocals, they're pretty good(!). Go listen. 5 star reviews are reserved for only the best of the best. Sure, it's a collection of known styles weaved together, but I'm not sure how this could be any better.

This album was quite interesting and immediately after I listened to it for the first time I felt I needed to give it another listen through. Although there are many progressive metal aspects on this record and Mike Mills incorporates a vast array influences into this project. The choppy guitars and high vocals at the beginning of the first song "You and I Both Lose (But 5 Wins)" give almost a sort of The Mars Volta feel. The fifth song "Smash It Out" was a highlight for me, with super speedy guitar with Mill's vocals mimicking it throughout. The beginning and chorus of the song "Whoa!" has a real pop/glam rock feel to it and is very uplifting. The final song on the album "Geese Lycan" is crushing metal song with heavy growls and makes a hilarious and odd reference to Grease Lighting lol. If your are a lover of progressive rock/metal there is guaranteed to be at least one song on this record that appeals to you. His wide-ranging vocals are very prominent and add to a very energetic and enjoyable listening experience. A great listen and quite a hidden gem.

8.1/10