“Brighton’s brilliantly named and hugely entertaining headliners deliver Mr Bungle/Zappa-influenced tuneage, seamlessly mixing up tango jazz, loungecore, metal and cabaret to pack one hell of a punch.” - TIMEOUT

Live review: Komedia – 19/11/09

“Have you ever stopped to think about why you listen to music? Perhaps it’s to empathise with your fellow man? To find peace in the knowledge that you’re not alone in the world? To reaffirm the hope that those abominable thoughts and emotions of yours are actually felt by others? Or perhaps it’s a form of escape from the mundane triviality of your nine to five lifestyle?
Well, if escapism is what you are craving, then you need look no further than 12 Stone Toddler, a Brighton band whose delightfully twisted Psycho-Pop could be the eerie soundtrack to Hunter S. Thompson’s most debauched hallucinogenic nightmare.

Having recently released their second album, this is a band whose impressive back catalogue, killer musicianship and storming live shows have amassed them a small army of dedicated (if not slightly dangerous looking) followers. The Komedia is brimming with beaming faces and colourful characters, who suddenly jolt to life like sexed-up Duracell bunnies as the band take to the stage.
Vocalist and bassist Chris Otero is looking dapper and confidant, his black tuxedo making him look like he’s arrived fresh from a wedding (or funeral, either or), whilst drummer Pat Garvey looks calm and collected in his shades as he settles into the groove saddle.

As the band launch into their performance with style and swagger, the audience react with flailing limbs and gyrating hips, with two young ladies in particular setting the standard at the centre-front of the stage.

The comedic banter between songs is, as always, an intrinsic part of the Toddler’s live show, their off-kilter sense of humour matching their bizarre musical approach perfectly. Classics from the bands debut album ‘Does It Scare you?’ such as ‘Candles On The Cake’ and of course the infamous ‘Rabbit’ go down a storm, with many people singing along in unison.
More recent material from the brand new album ‘Scheming’ is also well received, with killer solo’s from guitarist Randall Breneman and trademark awe-inspiring Hammond swells from the stupidly talented and effortlessly charismatic keys player Ben Jones.

As the band celebrate the end of a productive and busy 2009, the fervent roars of appreciation from the crowd promise more of the same next year from one of Brighton’s most original and least sane rock bands.”- James Watts - XYZ Magazine