Toxic Field Mice are as odd as their name sounds, assembling a large palette of influences into one oddly patched together quilt the band fearlessly treks forth with solid songs. Comparable at times to Biohazard through the frequent hardcore styled parts and a handful of other acts through the plethora of tracks this CD contains they do indeed have an aura of uniqueness to them albeit a bit familiar sounding. Groove heavy rhythms with New York hardcore styled bursts of aggression and Clutch reminiscent verses encompass the bands sound as they go through the motions of grunge to experimental and everywhere in between. Vocally singer Griz goes for the jugular with a consistently stern vocal, rarely showing a mellow or softer side as the vocals range more or less from an aggravated to livid tone which in turn provides for something interesting as such a less broad range of dynamic switching hasn't been attempted much in recent music but in the end it still feels restrained. Overdubs, gang like chants and reaffirming howls are also sprinkled through the release and provide a worthy face to the band. Guitars feel very grunge and hardcore influenced, but instead of the relentless crush of the latter they focus more on the melodic parts still being heavy, but not excessively. The two guitarists switch throughout each other with a very clean distorted sound with little downtuning or effects giving the CD a mid 90's metal album feel but with the incorporation of a more modern song structure to keep today's listeners happy. Basslines are sturdy holding the song up, minimally varying from the guitar riffs and instead of venturing off the path, they for the most part tend to follow the basic song structure dropped a note lower re-enforcing the groove. Drum work is crisp, alot of cymbal work and high hat varition is used giving the CD overall a very brittle sound. A constant crashing and pinging of the ride and high hat surrounds the bands songs and gives a way to a rich sound although at times it can feel exorbiant. Song structure is well crafted, a good amount of switching between parts is used suggesting that deviating from the typical formulas of writing music is definitely an ideology of the band. Still there is a tendency to fall into the trap of the standard upbeat verse angry chorus in a handful of the tracks on the album. There are a few tracks included on the album in which the band does shoot for a more mid tempo or melodic number, but they tend to end up comes out sounding a bit reminiscent to Alice In Chains with the structure of an Ozzy Osbourne song. The group also has a good sense of humor and it shows throughout their lyrics and the few outtakes the band has included on the CD. Standout tracks would be "Accosted" which showcases an enchanting verse, firm use of overdubs and melody but at times dilutes itself with cliche sounding vocal outbreaks. "G.o.p. is another standout track which features a lush soundscape that feels very fresh and launches into a narrow ranged hardcore/metal styled track that works well and runs the gauntlet of emotions. Unfortunately there is quite a few downsides to the album and they do hinder the power this CD could contain. The band is talented and not bad by any means but the style they choose doesn't feel like it brings anything new to the table, instead it feels alot like a mid 90's rock album with a grunge/metal flavor, although this in itself isn't bad and the band does modernize the idea it still does for the most part feel dated. Another possible negative aspect to the CD could be the constant use of guitar riffs to fuel a songs progression, there is little use of quiet pauses or straight breaks throughout the bulk of the tracks and it ends up causing the songs to drone on. Toxic Field Mice have talent and skill but their music for the most part feels dated, for those sick of the incorporating of hip hop, funk and other such crossover formulas and who would prefer a return back to the more heady hard rock/metal vibe then this is the CD for you, but with the lack of a less cautious incorporation of innovation it will be hard to win over today's ever-growing fickle audiences.
(3.5 / 5)