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Toilet Boys - Updated Glam/Punk From NYC

© Marianne Moro

Photocopying a page from the playbook of fellow New Yorkers Kiss and the New York Dolls, the Toilet Boys are a throwback to the kinder, gentler days of "let's have fun and have sex" party rock that is all but missing from newer rock bands on the scene today.

Lead by frontperson Miss Guy, who lists Marilyn Monroe and Faye Dunaway as her idols handles lead vocals, has bleached blond hair, heavy eye make-up and wears corsets and other Fredericks of Hollywood type costumes onstage. Looking like he walked straight off the stage at Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Miss Guy blasts through such straight-up rockers as "Party Starts Now". The show, however, doesn't stop with Miss Guy. Sparks (and fire) have been emitted from the lead guitarist's axe on occasion. Fans of a certain age may see a lot of Jayne County and the Electric Chairs in the Toilet Boys, although there were no fiery histrionics with their guitars.

Their self-titled, full length CD was released last year and is currently available via their website, found at http://www.toiletboys.com. Along with fellow NYers The Donnas, they herald a return of sorts for ballsy rock 'n' roll in the USA. From their beginnings as a back-up band for Debbie Harry, the Boys (includes guitarists Sean and Rocket, bassist Adam Vomit and drummer Electric Eddie) have demonstrated an innate ability to play unpretentious party music.

On the marketing front, the band has joined with Jones Soda Company and Alternative Press Magazine to promote their own brand of cherry soda. Hmm.. Toilet Boys Soda...not exactly the most thirst-quenching of monikers, but I'm sure it's good stuff. Their website is located at http://www.JonesSoda.com. Their song "Another Day In The Life" was featured in that fine film American Pie II, and they are currently on tour to promote the new CD. If you are in the SoCal area, you can see them at the Key Club on Thursday, March 21 or at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana on the 20th.

Discography:

Living Like A Millionaire EP (Released 1999)
Saints And Sinners EP (Released 2001)
Toilet Boys (Full Length CD) (Released 2001)

Video:
Live Like A Millionaire (Released 2001)

Another Band You Should Know:

Zak Daniels & The One-Eyed Snakes
Song: Cartoon Savior
Website: http://www.zakdaniels.com

Listening to "Cartoon Savior" by Zak Daniels & the One Eyed Snakes, (yes, that's their real name), you're transported back to the Roxy in Hollywood circa 1983, with a dash of sarcastic humor & intelligence added. This L.A. based band rekindles the much-maligned hard rock genre, adding many IQ points and a definite edge a musical archetype that is too often prone to cliché. Guitarist Tom Katsikides knows how to create a catchy riff, and Zak Daniels' voice imparts a sly but vigorous worldliness to the lyrics.