Fitting firmly into a genre box has never been something that Marietta, Georgia-based Todd Holler, also known by his Toadface production alias, has attempted to pull off. Fiercely paving his own sonic pathway with nothing but the utmost unique of beats, he’s garnered a ravenously loyal and dedicated following during his youthful career through the use of his wide range of swampy, gritty, girthy, and simultaneously beautiful pieces. His classic-cut ‘Seratonin Machinegun‘ has been a therapeutic tool for years, affording times of tranquil bliss and calm reflection during moments of extreme turmoil, and his collaboration ‘Ghetto Karma‘ with his brother Yheti could easily be mistaken for being a part of an old school videogame soundtrack. Last year, we saw the release of his bass-heavy Gangrene EP, which received major applause from a broad swathe of the experimental side of the scene, boasting a souped-up version of his already massively impressive sound. Now, he’s gifting us another body of work with Tides, and we’ve had the great privilege of premiering ‘The Grand Canaries’ from it for your listening pleasure right here on FUXWITHIT.
Inspired by ‘The Outlaw Ocean‘ book by Ian Urbina, Toadface aims to gift good music for an even better cause through the release of Tides, with ‘The Grand Canaries’ setting a mood of dramatic beauty and intense drama. Opening with moody, reality-bending gunshots and water droplets, an immediate air of wonder and intrigue fills the surrounding area. Intensely gorgeous strings swiftly follow, setting the coals of the heart ablaze while igniting the nervous system in preparation for the journey you’re about to undertake. Feeling like a cinematic masterpiece in and of itself, this piece feels more like a full-blown listening experience, the traditional term “song” not nearly seeming fitting enough. One of Toadface’s most impactful pieces to date, ‘The Grand Canaries’ deserves undivided attention while rinsing, as each minute element and introduction and subtraction of layers create a masterful ebb and flow that weaves a tale of dangerous adventure. Untold depth of sound combines with a heartfelt journalistic endeavor to create an end product that’s as astounding as it is magisterial. Toadface has truly outdone himself with this track and with the rest of Tides as a whole. Check out ‘The Grand Canaries’ for yourself below!
