Comprised of young guns Jess Pollard and Shea Duncan, Toucan have been strutting their stuff since February, emerging a unique indie-pop commodity amidst a competitive NSW scene. This release illustrates their distinct allure across five intriguing offerings. The EP ignites with a tense, minimalist gallop courtesy of the title track. ‘We’ll live the life we’ve only seen in dreams,’ Pollard promises.
Despite a blatantly trendy introduction, Toucan defy the hipster-chic melting pot, showcasing some serious commercial prowess. So Hard serves as an example, offering both a seductive swagger and a killer chorus. Meanwhile, Age Of Consequence implements a delectable lounge-lizard groove, with similar success. Pollard’s silky-smooth, jazz-inspired charisma emerges an obvious asset, as multi-instrumentalist Duncan works to continually reinvent Toucan’s image. Meanwhile, in terms of their general approach, guitar is a notable exclusion from the duo’s repertoire. Instead, the EP places an emphasis on piano-fuelled compositions with a cacophony of electronic effects utilised to fit out their aesthetic.
For a band still feeling out their direction – by virtue of not only their youth but the age of their collaboration – Toucan already appear an impressive prospect.
Best Track: So Hard
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Oh Land OH LAND, Kate Earl KATE EARL
In A Word: Promising
