The TOMS - Sound Bytes (2025)

You don’t have to dig very far into Tommy Marolda’s bio to know he’s no spring chicken. But you’d never know he wasn’t some fresh young thing after spinning The Toms new LP Sound Bytes. It’s got that unmistakeable note of youthful energy. Opening cut “Summer Without You” treats us to a fabulous blast of rock melody and jangling guitars. “Multiple Personalities” then moves things into a plush, sophisticated direction. “One Day” sounds kinda timeless, its sonic attack could be comfortably dropped into a variety of musical eras. As should be obvious by this point, you can’t tie Marolda down to just one genre. “I Love a Girl” almost shades into a disco kind of booty shaker. Almost. “Me and You” has got a great sixties pop swing. “She Can’t Let It Go” is pure seventies AM-ready poprock. But for contrast, check out how “Time and Time Again” insinuates a degree of sonic menace throughout the tune. Personal faves – I love how “Check Out Time” chugs along, pushing its subtle melody forward, while “houseflies hum in the key of F” is fun ditty that adds up to highly listenable song.