Saturday 6th February 2010 @ The Junction, Bristol

With their opening gambit seeming deeply ironic, lyrics stating “I’m not your plaything”, this new eight-piece band, Toyface, ooze a lazy Sunday confidence into their jazz styling. The eclecticism of accordion, banjo, guitar, drums, keys and bass, set an understated backdrop to lead singer Tamsin’s stellar vocals, and as she croons and shimmies, you cannot help but feel that she is the glue holding the set together.

Throughout this performance, and with their unusual decision to take the stage as the second act as opposed to the finale, it is clear that this ensemble is fighting to make their mark on the Bristol scene. However, with technical issues early on, you could be forgiven for thinking that confidence is waning throughout the band. Not so though; suffering under the weight of poor technical arrangement by the venue, the troupe gather strength from each other, pulling together a seamless evocation of a smoke filled piano bar.

However, there is some confusion as to whether Toyface are aiming for upbeat jazz or self-reflective folk that measures the mark of human experience. With the strange and subtle composition of tunes such as The Bare-Knuckle Fight, the sentiments of which are obvious, there is a lack of any real kick the lyrics scream for, though tunes such as Flight float on the atmosphere, achingly beautiful and serene.

There is no doubt that Toyface have a huge amount of potential to ensnare the masses and though styles can veer between folk, jazz and touches of swing, it is done with charming effect and a cheeky smile. They’ve got the thoughtful lyricism, the beautiful guitar picks, the strong sweet vocals and the sombre rhythmic piano (threading throughout such tracks as Death Of An Oldboy which stole our hearts), now it is just the general stage presence which needs to be skilfully readdressed; a kink which will no doubt be ironed out as they continue to rise.

www.myspace.com/toyfacetunes

Clementine Lloyd