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ist - Toothpick Bridge - Reviews - Released August 17th, 2009
"Kenton Hall is an orginal, creative writer. And he sing good too." - David Quantick
Get Frank (New Zealand) - July 2010 reviewed by Lukas Clark-Memler
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
It would not do ist any justice to list the range of artists they supposedly sound like. True ist are clearly inspired by a variety of musical icons (Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Pink Floyd) and on almost every track you can hear the presence of some of these artists. Yet ist somehow is able to tie a wide range of musical eras and styles together into an album that is familiar yet so unique in itself. Toothpick Bridge displays ist's musical eclecticism: from rockabilly, to jazz-inspired rock, to afro-pop and ska, to epic piano ballads, to Dylan-esque lyrical journeys, and a little bit of The Clash.
Other reviewers have limited and I believe missed the point by calling ist a neo-punk outfit and then listing Sex Pistols, Ramones etc as major influences. Although there are times where ist do channel these punk legends, ist's musical virtuosity and mature arrangements put them above and beyond your stock post-punk inspired indie band. ist's country influence is evident in their first three tracks from the use of rockabilly beats and steel guitar. Frontman Kenton Hall displays his obvious love for Elvis Costello with intelligent and obscure lyrics, and enigmatic vocals. The presence of a horn section can be found in tunes that are jazz/rock and even afro-pop/funk inspired; this gives ist an edge over their generic indie peers and infuses an upbeat and hopeful feeling to many of their tracks. .
The brass section is the thread that holds this diverse range of music together and a trait that Toothpick Bridge is sure to be remembered for. In spite of the incredible diversity of sounds, Toothpick Bridge is a cohesive and addictive listen that successfully merges this expansive range of styles into a consumable bite.
Standout tracks: "Pep Talk". "Remington Steele". "She Clears Her Throat"
The Monograph - June 2010 reviewed by Emily Parish
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Many of you may have heard of ist before, but we think they deserve an extra mention whilst we join them for the release of their latest album. Originally from Leicester, gaining a no.1 on the download charts in Russia and a Mojo nomination, the band have travelled from strength to strength. Their list of influences is certainly extensive, so they do love a spot of genre hopping! When asked to describe the band, Kenton, lead singer, said ‘Two Englishmen, a Scotsman and a Canadian walk into a room…’ which is a witty testament to their indistinguishable sound.
Their latest album is quintessentially ist, mixed with a developed outlook on life and lyrical advances to match. Although the album demonstrates dabbling within a variety of genres, the opening track, ‘The boy’s not right’ sets the mood for songs that follow. The emotion continues to grow throughout the album, each track becoming more powerful and displaying more musical talent and experimentation. Tracks such as ‘Would you buy a bible from this man?’ will lure you in with its smooth melody and weighty guitar solos, whereas listening to others like the funky ‘Remington Steele’ will prove hard not to tap your feet to at the very least!
If you’re anything like us, you’ll struggle to compare ist to any other band. It is possible to hear influences such as Elvis Costello and Stiff Little Fingers, but ist have their own unique quality, which is reflected in the music. They are excited about playing ‘a very special gig’ at the Musician, in Leicester, where the band first formed, so watch out for that one at the beginning of October! Toothpick Bridge certainly won’t disappoint you; it caters for every musical taste and mood and is possibly the best ist album yet!
If you’re anything like us, you’ll struggle to compare ist to any other band. It is possible to hear influences such as Elvis Costello and Stiff Little Fingers, but ist have their own unique quality, which is reflected in the music. They are excited about playing ‘a very special gig’ at the Musician, in Leicester, where the band first formed, so watch out for that one at the beginning of October! Toothpick Bridge certainly won’t disappoint you; it caters for every musical taste and mood and is possibly the best ist album yet!
H-iFi News and Record Review - March 2010 reviewed by Johnny Black
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
It's unfair of me to criticise Devendra Banhart for sounding like a young Marc Bolan and then lavish praise on this lot for sounding like a young Elvis Costello, but the difference is that ist sound like they're fully engaged with the real world and their songs are irresistibly catchy.
They're a tight little Leicestershire quartet, led by Canadian Kenton Hall, which might explain the hint of Barenaked Ladies whimsy in some songs.
They can switch effortlessly from angry pop to twitchy ska and swoop from a whisper to a scream in a nanosecond. And even when they pull out the occasional wailing bluesharp and the extended guitar solo, it sounds absolutely spot on.
Sound Quality = 86%
The Wild Honey Pie reviewed by Eric Weiner Original Review
New Music: ist
Take ska beats and mix them with a steady dose of jazz and blues. That's what you get when you from English band, ist. They are an upbeat group that recently came out with a new album entitled Toothpick Bridge. If you're a fan of horns and melodical vocals, you'll enjoy their stuff. Now stop reading, and take a listen to this song from Toothpick Bridge.
Pep Talk by ist
Paul Carden's MySpace Blog reviewed by Paul Carden Original Review
Don't listen to that, listen to this...
Toothpick Bridge by ist
I have lived with this album for quite some time and it has just grown and grown on me. If you like great songs, great tunes, great vocals and strong musicianship then you will probably like it.
ist are very unique but Squeeze and Elvis Costello might point you in the rough direction of what they do.
Toothpick Bridge does have it's dark moments but overall it has a much more joyous and positive vibe than their previous two albums King Martha and Freudian Corduroy.There are many songs on here, perhaps a couple too many, but all the tracks have something of value so it would be a hard decision as to what to leave out.
Highlights for me include the bright and breezy opening tracks The Boy's Not Right and Pep Talk as well as the powerful melancholy closing track She Clears Her Throat with it's lovely guitar harmonies. It would be easy to imagine Elvis Costello doing a version of one of the shorter tracks Rebecca, and another shorty Scotsman In A Church is great fun. Demand is a minute and three quarters of beautiful piano and heartfelt vocals and Would You Buy A Bible From This Man shows the darker side of ist.
Kenton's lyrics are always worth paying attention to and the guest musicians scattered throughout the album give the songs an extra sprinkling of pixie dust.
Do yourself a favour and convert to istianity.
Certifiable Wenches reviewed by Andrea Guy
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Ist is one of those bands that sound like an amalgamation of different bands so that when you are listening to them you keep thinking you are listening to someone else. When I first played I thought they sounded a bit like The Clash and then I thought, well maybe they sound a bit like The Pogues. Not that it matters who they sound like, what’s important is that you listen because Ist’s Toothpick Bridge is an album you have to hear.
Why you may ask, when there are so many new bands out there to try? Because this stuff is good, damn good. Its definitely worth a few listens and probably a few more after that. The songs on Toothpick Bridge will put a spring to your step and a couple of songs will stay in your head. OK, a lot of songs will stay in your head. I dare you not to find yourself singing Pep Talk Or Scotsman In A Church while you’re walking down the street.
But not all of the songs are faced paced, but even the slower tracks like Would You Buy A Bible From This Man, which is quite possibly the longest song title I’ve seen in a long time, will captivate you. I also give the guys props for an awesome rhyme. I know I would be hard pressed to try to find a good rhyme for Aurora Borealis. But they did and the rhyme even makes sense. I think there should be an award for doing that. If there isn’t. I say there should be. Cookies for the band!
Its that sort of thing that makes Ist stand out from other bands. The lyrics to their songs have the same feel as many of the old school angry young punks that graced the music scene in the late scene Lines like “When you think with your dick And she thinks with her purse,” are classic. (along with the aurora borealis line which always makes me smile). The musicianship isn’t bad either! I have to admit I have a partiality for horns, being a lover of Oingo Boingo for the last 20 years. This is the first band that used a horn section that made me miss the days of Boingo.
Ist prove with Toothpick Bridge that Ist are on the same level any band in the mainstream. In fact, they are probably better. Toothpick Bridge is a well rounded album, with fast paced tracks and slower tunes performed perfectly.
I have to admit I liked this album from the first track I listened to, which was The Boy’s Not Right. Every songafter just got better. Its got anything you could possibly want in an album; catchy lyrics, great melodies and a pretty awesome vocalist. So what are you waiting for? Go check out Ist!
Listen @ Last.fm Genre: Indie, Pop, Punk Sounds Like: The Clash Label: Monkey Basket Records Buy: CD Universe Released: August 17 2009 Rating: 9/10 At the risk of sounding sanctimonious, I knew that “ist” has was going to be a hit long before they were. That’s why I featured them on my website early on in their career. Now they have released their third triumph, “Toothpick Bridge”, or as I like to call it, “Quintessential music to dance to, make mad passionate love to, assemble new furniture to (as I was doing at the time of first listen)entertain a houseful of lusty guests, or splatter onto the sofa/divan and chill to”…. ‘ist’ is an interesting synergy of mellow folksy ballads and strong, high octane and engaging instrumentals, one reason why they are climbing the country charts. “Remington Steele” gives a saucy twist to the James Bond theme while “Rebecca” brings back the seductive tempo of earlier ‘ist’, ‘Here We Go Again’ vibe…. My fave is of course, track 13, “Yer Man’s A Bingo Caller”, featuring the magnificent talent of John Barrow on sax. John conveys a tremendous and vibrant energy reminiscent of the legendary Sadao Wantanabe, leaving the listener satiated yet ‘ist’ remain true to their roots, melding gentle and swaying lyrics with catchy upbeat tempos. Kenton’s insightful and intellectual songwriting are the signature of this truly original and unique band of souls. I highly recommend that you set aside the funds for this cd, it promises to become a part of your soul, and as always with ‘ist’, it truly delivers.
ist - Toothpick Bridge reviewed by Lyric LaCeile
Vexed Magazine reviewed by Nicola Stewart
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Ist, a four-piece band formed almost 10 years ago, put a spring in my step right from the first listen. As they were a band I had never heard of before, I had little more than mediocre expectations, assuming that every song wouldn’t sound too different from the other. But I was wrong…
Though they categorically fit into the indie genre, Ist’s third album, ‘Toothpick Bridge’, shows off the band’s broad musical range. Yes, the initial idea of an indie band combined with instruments ranging from the horn to the accordion sounds so wrong, but have a listen and you will soon realise how narrow-minded that view is when it comes to Ist’s eclectic sound. For instance, the tuneful help of a trumpet and a trombone gives ‘A Scotsman in a Church’ a perky boost that makes it instantly infectious.
However, that’s not the only track on the album to have heads nodding, nor is the wide range of instruments solely what makes ‘Toothpick Bridge’ worthy of many listens. The Midlands-based band, whose influences interestingly range from Bob Dylan to Chopin, combines the vocal talents of two band members, John McCourt and Brett Richardson- this adds an edgy dimension to the album. This particularly shines through in ‘Social Workers #12 &35’. The different tones of the two voices combined together in this track was indeed a risky move, and could have sounded amateur enough to make Simon Cowell seethe (not that that takes much!). However, Ist pulled it off brilliantly.
Whilst ‘Social Workers #12 &35’ isn’t their most upbeat track, it serves a pivotal function in ‘Toothpick Bridge’ because it indicates the beginning of the more laid back tone that the rest of the album offers (with the exception of ‘Headache’ and ‘Demand’- two earlier, relaxed tracks which break up the album’s lively feel). Ist claim to be influenced by any music that is ‘intelligent or mood altering, whatever its style or provenance’, and their latest efforts seem very much evident of that.
In many ways, I felt like I was listening to several albums rather than one, but, in this case, it could only be a good thing. ‘Remington Steele’ is worthy of making the White Stripes jealous, yet I can listen with the smug satisfaction that I’m only a flick away from unwinding to the delicate piano that characterises ‘Demand’.
If you’re intrigued, or just want to listen to something new, Ist’s latest album, which has been available since 10th August is an essential. I urge everyone to give it a try!
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Toothpick Bridge (Monkey Basket) is the new album from ist, the Leicester-based band fronted by Canadian Kenton Hall. A gifted writer, his new album covers brassy instrumentals (Yer Man’s A Bingo Caller) and tales of Adam Ant (The Boy’s Not Right). Pep Talk really works as the lively first single and Rebecca has a catchy beat like early Elvis (Costello).
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Original
OK, one that's not about frocks. I have been listening to music, properly, for the first time in ages. I have been impressed by Ist's elpee Toothpick Bridge, which reminds me somewhat of The Trashcan Sinatras with judicious use of horns (always good), and from the archive, Jack's The End of The Way It's Always Been, which is gert lush, and Anthony Reynolds has the most incredible voice - warm, but as F-C says, with a bit of gravel.
MyBrumTV
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
THIS is one of those album’s that could so easily be thrown into the wayside through a misinterpretation as the saying ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’ rings true. A silly name, a daft cover (simply the image of a young girl and - that’s it!) and the opening notes of first song ‘The Boy’s Not Right’ makes the band seem like a second rate Proclaimers tribute act but oh, how these early songs are so wrong.
For the opener gathers pace after twenty seconds and soon erupts into one of the fastest guitar rhythms you will have heard for a long time. Throw in a speedy drumbeat and add a vocalist born to be in a punk band and you have a group who were born after their time. For their fast paced, ballsy, attitude-fuelled punk music would not have looked out of place in the late seventies amongst the vocal sounds of the Ramones and the guitar onslaughts of The Clash. In fact, they borrow absolutely nothing from today’s current music scene to create a sensational punk record except for when they progress punk’s early sound to create an album for a brand new kind of revolution.
When they are running through the kind of smoky old fast paced guitar chord tracks as ‘Pep Talk’ and the brilliant ’Rebecca,’ they are only just as good as when they show a little touch of creativity in such tracks as ‘ A Scotsman In A Church’ and ’Headache,’ the latter a divine gently toned down stick-a-finger-up-at-the-world anti establishment ballad.
[Ist] take the classic sounds of old 70s punk heroes, throw in the attitude of The Sex Pistols and add in the same kind of fun that Bullets And Octane bring across in every record to create the most audacious yet sensational album that you will hear all year. The band ooze attitude and style and can pull of their classic ‘rock and roll’ moments just as well as their straight-edged ballads, the juxtapose of ’Would You Buy A Bible From This Man’ and the quick-smart guitar driven ’Remington Steele’ being a fantastic example of the band’s diversity.
Essentially what you have with ’Toothpick Bridge’ is not just one of the finest punk albums of the 21st century but one of the finest punk albums that have ever been recorded. Even if you play it before you stick on The Ramone’s greatest hits album somehow, it sounds just as good, if not better!
Released: Out Now!
For Fans of: The Ramones, the Clash, Bullets and Octane
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
Kicking off with the catchy homage to Adam Ant ‘The Boy’s Not Right’ and the brash brass of first single ‘Pep Talk’, it’s certainly got pace. ‘Remington Steele’ has the energy of an early Jam song with bass player John McCourt bouncing furiously up and down the fret board...
‘She Clears Her Throat’ and the epic ‘Would You Buy A Bible From This Man?’ are among the gentler and more melodic tracks, which allow Kenton Hall’s voice the space it needs to soar...
TheTrueJoe90 reviewed by TheTrueJoe90
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE - FOUR STARS
I like hardworking bands. Bands that do their utmost to create awareness for themselves, get out there and gig as much as possible and produce music that is different, smart and of course, listenable. An example would be to the recent success of Reverend & The Makers.
If you can not appreciate influences from Jagger, Costello or Waits then this isn’t for you. But if you can, then meet ist. With the release of their third album Toothpick Bridge you will hear music that is experienced, wise and of course, listenable.
This is not everyone’s bag. The tracks that are on their MySpace player do not reflect the quality of work they can do. The upbeat and slightly quirky tracks can intrigue people further but I’m very much one for the songs that are not released in the charts, the gems are always hiding within the album tracklisting. Would You Buy A Bible From This Man has a great warmth and delightful poetic nature which musically is very impressive for a band that is not recognised by the mainstream critics. Demand is just brilliant. Many artists attempt solo piano tunes. When executed this well they become recognised, just a shame though it is a short as it is, it could do with more length and this is an awesome crowd pleaser, sober or not.
The album is very, lyrically orientated and can be deemed a little too much at times. The musicians are all an individual talent. The bass is strong and supportive, the drumming is my metronome as I am nodding empathically and the quirky guitaring comes through at times making me smile. Having the big band behind them certain tracks really do fill out which is nice to hear rather than other bands taking the orchestral route.
This is a fresh work, very humble, full of melody and with an anthemic feel on occasions. This is the kind of work that everyone should have because if you can’t think of something to put on to your stereo, then this will fill the void whether your a lyricist, sentimentalist or a humourist.
Toothpick Bridge is out now and you can get it right here by clicking this link; HERE
FOUR STARS
The Shields Gazette reviewed by GW
ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE - 8 out of 10
Are Ist our best-kept pop secret? IST mainman Kenton Hall is a Canadian singer and songwriter who has written with the likes of The Blockheads' Chaz Jankel and Chris Difford of Squeeze, but I admit they'd bypassed my radar until this release. It is actually the Leicester outfit's third album of extremely catchy melodic rock, in the vein of Elvis Costello or Nick Cave, and it's an eclectic record which contains something for everyone. The four core members are supplemented by a huge cast list of guest musicians, contributing everything from brass to piano, and sax to accordion. Lead single Pep Talk, in particular is a jaunty singalong, but there are moments of melancholy too. I like this a lot. 8/10. GW ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE - Four out of Five NAME: ist ALBUM: Toothpick Bridge YEAR: 2009 LABEL: Monkey Basket Records RATING: 4/5 LOCATION: Leicestershire, UK LINE UP: Kenton Hall (guitars, hammond, vox), Mark Haynes (drums), John McCourt (bass), Breet Richardson (guitars) (Actually, Brett. No, to the hell with it, Breet, it is. : ) - ed) WHAT’S THE STORY?: After forming in 2001, ist have dealt with the notable set back of the death of their original bassist, yet this is still seemingly only their second full length release. (Actually, third! - ed.) Regardless, ‘Toothpick Bridge’ is an intricate and accurate observational diary. The musicianship is sharp, evolving and eloquant, with close attention paid to instrumental nuances. SOUNDS LIKE: a well-worn character looking over years of love, loss, experience, pain. YOU’LL LIKE THIS IF YOU LIKE: nothing else around at the moment. ist have a diverse and developed sound that is incomparable, and results in every track being a genre of its own. LINKS: Official Website // MySpace ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE - Four Stars If you are looking for a shiny new band of fresh faced teenagers who are going to invent a whole new genre and turn music on its head then ist probably aren’t the band for you. If however, you are in the market for some brilliantly realised melodic rock with songwriting as fresh as you could hope to hear then ist should be your next port of call for definite. Built initially around the talented Canadian Kenton Hall who won over Pink Box Records boss Chris Garland with an impromptu acoustic run through of one song in his office, they are very much a group though and have just releaed Toothpick Bridge their third album, with Hall joined by Mark ‘Flash’ Haynes, John McCourt and Brett Richardson after a couple of line up changes to get to this point, due to tragic cicumstances in one case and career choice in another. The album has a real rich tapestry of influences and styles throughout it, it doesn’t rest on it’s laurels and get flush with the success of having given you a great track, instead they push and strive to better that on the next one, meaning despite the different sounds involved it’s a consistent and perfectly sequenced album.
As always I like to try and draw your attention to some highlights to get a feel of the album and that’s easier said than done with so many to choose from on here. The brass driven single Pep Talk is an obvious choice, as I suppose would be the power pop feel of The Boy’s Not Right and Rebecca, you don’t want obvious though do you? In which case i’d go for the emotional and powerful Would You Buy A Bible From This Man?, the piano ballad of Demand or the brilliant lyrics and scathing look at celebrity couples and scandals in Company Of Sense with the lyrics “when you think with your dick, she thinks with her purse”...as good as these are though my two favourites come right near the end of the album. You Should Be Ashamed is alt country in style and wonderful throughout, some might find it a bit m.o.r. but some can piss off, it’s great and could well prove a big hit in America if it got picked up. The other track is an instrumental, surprising when the lyrics and vocals are so key to the band, but the horns and trombones combine to give a funky feel to Yer Man’s A Bingo Caller. A top album that is going to give you more each time you listen to it, don’t just take my word for it though, why not find out for yourselves?
FOUR STARS ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE This is a big band, with a big voice - a voice sometimes too big for the music backing it, if this album is anything to go by. One senses great things to come, like watching an Australian batsman take guard at a roaring Oval. Demand, You Should Be Ashamed and Would You Buy A Bible From This Man? certainly show song writing of a depth and imagination lacking in 99% of popular music at the moment, with the delivery to back them up. For a similar feel, stick on some Ball Boy or Hefner. Call me an ungrateful pedant but I feel a truly massive sound is required. Regardless of that, however, ist’s space is most definitely to be watched. Our rating: 6 out of 10 ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE - KKK JAGGED LITTLE PILLS APLENTY FROM MODERN BRITISH-CANADIAN ALT ROCKERS It's not too often that in the pages of Kerrang! a band comes along who so nakedly sing about the things that have happened to them in their lives. The voice of the confessional singer-songwriter - a role played here with some aplomb here by Kenton Hall, the Canadian-born frontman of this Leicestershire-based group - may not always be interesting, but it is always honest. In this case, though, things are more than merely routine, with ist understanding fully that in this style to say something that matters involves revealing something of yourself that perhaps you would rather keep hidden. The naked face of Toothpick Bridge is aided and abetted by a band whose sound is as fresh and raw as the morning's catch. ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE ist are a band hailing from Leicestershire, but the influences are many and vaired across this intriguing album I’d hate to pigeon-hole this album by mentioning genre’s, so I won’t ! Suffice to say, whatever your taste in music, you’ll find something to delight you here. The opener ‘The Boy’s not right’ is a classic pop song which could have been written in any of the last four decades. Pep Talk, the lead single from the collection is a jaunty affair despite it’s refrain of “it’s just a matter or time before you checkout”. From here, the style refuses to settle down, and every new track provides a different feel. Flavours of country creep in with the pedal steel on Headache, Rebecca could be an Elvis Costello outtake from the late seventies, Would you buy a bible from this man ? moves us into classic rock territory and reminded me of Animals era Floyd. But none of this is derivative, whilst influences are clearly heard throughout the songs, the band make the sounds their own throughout and the tracks hang together well. Kenton Hall the main writer is inventive and delivers great vocal performances throughout. The rest of the band deliver a tight confident sound which never fails to impress. The album continues with more varied tracks, Remington Steele and This Must Be The Desert the highlights, and winds up with the Snow Patrol-esq “She clears her throat” a great closer. Overall, a fanastic album with 14 tracks and no fillers - recommended 8 out of 10
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ist - TOOTHPICK BRIDGE
The new album from the Leicester based band is released 17 August 2009 on Monkey Basket Records
ist are a band whose stock is very definitely rising. A new single, the highly catchly Pep Talk (out now) and a sparky album, Toothpick Bridge, out on the 17th August should both bring the band to a wider audience. Led by Kenton Hall (Canadian born but now based in Leicestershire) the band spin out a nice line in melodic rock with the added bonus of fabulous lyrics.
In classic album style Toothpick Bridge features fourteen songs that range from The Boys Not Right (a song about Adam Ant!) to Would You Buy A Bible From This Man and through to the very groovy Remington Steele. The band have also drafted in the legendary Swinging Laurels as their new brass section!
The ist tour kicks off this month with a showcase gig in Leicester with more dates around the UK to follow.
The Skinny (Scotland) - reviewed by Joe Barton
Original Review
Toothpick Bridge is a bit of a schizoid album. Initially, it’s ditties like Pep Talk that trick you into thinking Ist are Mavericks-esque purveyors of brassy retro-pop (fans of Dance The Night Away, you've been warned).
However, as the album unfolds, there’s something dark and cool for every slightly twee number.
Remington Steele features some sleazy slap bass, while Company of Sense swipes out against Daily Mail-reading lynch mobs. She Clears Her Throat is an earnest ballad, and Would You Buy A Bible From This Man evokes Dark Side of the Moon-era Pink Floyd.
Ist are at their best when ransacking the seedy underbelly of pop; however, they predominantly settle for its sunny, major-key face.
Some careful tracklist-pruning could've turned Toothpick Bridge into something more interesting, but, as it is, there’s plenty of light and shade, if a little too much of the former.
***
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