ToehiderGOOD

Mike Mills, the man (and toe?) behind prog-metal-and-whatever-he-feels-like-at-the-time band Toehider can sing Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights in its original key. If that doesn’t warrant a read on, you are just a stick in the mud. If you ARE an “I’m too metal for everything” downer, then GOOD is not for you. Go on, listen to some Gorgoroth instead. That’s because GOOD is a life-affirming celebration of music, reminding us all why we fell in love with tunes in the first place.

There is nothing Mike can’t sing, and there’s no lick Mike doesn’t bust out in Toehider. He even released one EP a month for twelve months – and his larger than life presence while on stage or in the studio is why Toehider shines. (Pair it with gnarly illustrations by artist Andrew Saltmarsh, and things get even more interesting.) Funny Things is part Jim Steinman high-drama, half Edguy overdrama, and two-thirds Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog pureed poured out onto a soft velvet pillow. Not really, but you get the gist. This is metal that walks the silver blade of out-and-out parody (think, I dunno, Gloryhammer) and totes srs bsns ala Dream Theater.

GOOD is a life-affirming celebration of music, reminding us all why we fell in love with tunes in the first place.

Whether it’s his smooth Satriani-isms in This Conversation Is Over or galloping “Saturday morning cartoon metal” Millions of Muskateers (can you imagine Bruce Dickinson singing about something like that?), every layer of musicianship, winks of the eye, and Queen-style harmonies are designed to put a smile on your face. He can make his guitar snarl (How Do Ghosts Work?), shine (Dan vs. Egg) and even sound heavy when he’s playing acoustic (I’ve Been So Happy Living Down Here In The Water). If you love a well played axe that’s both fresh and classic AND joyful, GOOD is a no-brainer.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Funny Things, How Do Ghosts Work?, I’ve Been So Happy Living Down Here In The Water
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Freak Kitchen, Troldhaugen, The Devin Townsend Project