Album review by Jonah Taylor
Sydney indie rock group Dear Seattle are back with their third studio album, TOY. From the first listen, the album stays true to the band’s distinct sound whilst being bolder and more ambitious than their first two entries. It’s a record that feels like a natural evolution—bigger in scope, yet just as raw and intimate.
From the opening track, it’s clear that TOY delves into themes of self-reflection, growth, and the bittersweet complexities of relationships. Songs like ‘Feel It All’ and ‘Cut My Hair’ highlight frontman Brae Fisher’s talent for writing lyrics that feel as though they’re pulled straight from the listener’s own diary. These deeply personal words are paired with soaring guitar riffs and driving percussion, creating anthems that beg to be screamed along to in one of the many iconic venues the band frequents across Australia.
Once again, Dear Seattle team up with producer Fletcher Matthews, who helmed their self-titled debut album in 2017. This reunion results in an album that maintains the raw, authentic energy of their early work whilst showcasing the growth the band has undergone in the eight years since. The production is immaculate, delivering a massive, anthemic sound that’s polished but never overly slick, retaining the emotional grit that first captured fans’ hearts.
Musically, TOY offers a treasure trove of standout moments. The chugging bassline in the first verse of ‘Evergreen’ is an undeniable highlight, a groove that’ll have you scrunching your face and nodding along. The half-time breakdown in the final chorus of ‘Counting Hours’, with the lyrics “love’s so sweet but I’m so sour,” is another unforgettable moment. Both ‘Sungazer’ and ‘Cut My Hair’ are absolute tunes, brimming with a nostalgic yet modern energy that feels reminiscent of early 2000s pop-punk. It’s the kind of music your cool older sibling might have blasted from their bedroom—infectious, rebellious, and emotionally charged.
‘Cut My Hair’, in particular, deserves special mention for its brilliant contrast between heavy guitars and stripped-back melancholic vocals, creating a dark, grungy vibe. The guitar solo in this track is easily one of the standout moments of the entire album, capturing a raw intensity that’s impossible to ignore.
Despite its exploration of heavier emotional terrain, TOY is infused with an underlying sense of hope and resilience. It’s the kind of album that feels like a cathartic release—a soundtrack for both wallowing in heartbreak and finding the strength to move forward.
Dear Seattle have poured their hearts into TOY, delivering a record that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. It’s a shining example of why they’ve become a cornerstone of the Australian alt-rock scene. This is an album that demands to be played loud, on repeat, with every word sung at the top of your lungs. TOY is destined to be on heavy rotation this summer.
