Melbourne-based act Sex on Toast deliver a riveting, ambitious sound across their new album Pegasus — resembling a cinematic journey through both dreamy and invigorated nostalgia. From theatrical rock frenzies like “Another One” to sophisti-pop beauty in the vein of “Never Let Me Go,” the production impresses with its eclectic tonal range and evident musicianship; more than 36 credited musicians feature on the album, including Australian jazz legend Barney McAll.
The lavish orchestral beauty of “Opening Credits” opens Pegasus with lovely immersion, invoking old-style cinema in its flourishing grandiosity. Bellowing brass and twinkling keys provide an engaging interplay thereafter, as percussion kicks in gradually amidst the effervescent appeal; the track feels very much like setting things into motion, from initial dreaminess into vocal sections that remind fondly of Jordan-era Prefab Sprout in its sophisti-pop ingenuity. It’s difficult to not be fully intrigued by the gorgeousness of this opener.
The subsequent “Somebody Like You” injects more charisma right away with charismatic vocals, funky bass jumpiness, and nostalgic synth reflections. “I’ve been waiting all this time for somebody like you,” the vocals admit, venturing seamlessly into slapping bass infectiousness. The production is a tale of two equally enjoyable halves — spanning from this funk-friendly, brass-touched opening energy to a second half with soulful vibrancy. The vocal work there lends a more enchanting, airier pitch as the frolicking instrumentation appeals with breezier captivation. Once again, the project’s knack for melodically eclectic charm is on clear display.
Those lovely Prefab Sprout likenesses arise again on “Never Let Go,” particularly in the dreamy title-touting vocal reflections amidst illuminated keys; a myriad of sophisti-pop nostalgia is prevalent through the album, and wonderfully so. The ensuing “Take Your Mask Off (And Love Me Tonight)” moves into a jam-friendly rock territory, funky and sensual in its grooving appeal — while the title track follows with a contemplative break of sorts, melding gentle piano with spacey engrossment and pit-pattering percussion.
A guest appearance from Neil Hamburger results in an enamoring monologue, leading into a dynamic prog-rock splendor within “But You Still Whine?” — consuming in its span from lush synth-set spaciousness and retro-rock guitar/organ interplay. A theatrical, Queen-esque flair stirs on another rock success in “Another One,” — impressing in its shifts between excitable rock and brass-y introspection. Pegasus winds down with satiating immersion as well, with the heartrending ballad “Layin’ Next To You” culminating in the melodic “Enrique,” concluding the release with a smooth pop flair reminiscent of Hall & Oates. Melodic and full of creative, successful aesthetical twists, Pegasus is a fantastic new album from Sex on Toast.
Check the band out on tour through November and December.
