Establishing the mood with a dimensional bass performance and astral guitar melody with textured drums, Erudition opens Toy with a dark wave sensibility and the situational, yet introspective prose, “There’s a certain colour, I cannot see, an obligation to set you free, I never know where I have to be, I need to know now, if you’re there for me, I don’t know another way or I would show, I just wait around all day to get to know you…”
We are immediately enamoured by the chord progressions and brooding, cinematic vibes that emanate. The lyrics feel intentional and relatable, bringing to life an all too familiar tale. In essence, Toy is about a man who feels unappreciated and disrespected in a relationship.
Erudition says, “It’s just a song about a guy who feels that he is more invested in his relationship than his girlfriend. He doesn’t feel that she respects him. She treats him like he doesn’t matter. Like a toy. I don’t think it’s particularly influenced by events in my life, but I am sure all of us have felt like that before.”
It draws on the emotions that many of us know – like being ignored or taken for granted. We learn that the song moves away from Erudition‘s earlier pop ska and reggae sound, and explores a darker and more experimental style.
The song was recorded in Erudition‘s home studio, and is the first track from his album, Surely!. The talented artist tells us how he put extra focus on serving up a strong bass to give the track more power and depth, which definitely manifests.
There is no denying that Toy holds a cinematic allure and would be perfect for a multitude of sync placements, notably a film that represents the prose, such as a remake of The Lonely Guy, The Beast, or Manodrome.
On his unique sound, Erudition confesses, “I wasn’t trying to sound like anyone else, but I am aware it sounds very 80s. Some have likened the sound to Depeche Mode (particularly the vocal), but there is no synth or keyboard on this track.”
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Toy to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Erudition, including the entirety of Surely!.