Can’t figure out where I first heard Amsterdam’s TAPE TOY, but it was shortly after the release of the single “Shotgun” last November. In December, they released their latest EP Launch the Rocket, and it’s melodic, propulsive stuff reminiscent of The Breeders or a few other 90s grunge-adjacent bands. Each of the five tracks is strong enough to have been a lead single.
TAPE TOY is all about giant guitar hooks and earworm choruses on Launch the Rocket. Here’s a live performance of the first track on the EP, “Anyone, Anything”:
Here’s another live performance of a few songs from the record, including the slow-burner title track.
Prior EP Ttys, from 2023, is much heavier and grungier sounding than Launch the Rocket, but every bit as melodic and hooky. The killer track on that record is “Sick Sick Sick”, it’s the second song on this performance video:
Their debut record Honey, WTF came out in 2022. While it lacks the production polish of Launch the Rocket, the energy, sharp lyrics and strong melodies are still here. Highlights from that record are “The One Who Got Away”, “Hold On” and “Phone Call”:
I love the trajectory that TAPE TOY is on. Here’s hoping there’s more to come in 2025.
