Toini & The Tomcats, Still Going Wild!
Action and passion are the keywords if you're talking about Toini & The Tomcats. It might be only rock ’n’ roll, but Toini & The Tomcats are definitely more so than most. A hardworking band by all means, and years of hard labour have put them into the top league, a point clearly proven. No fiord, no mountain, no good old Norwegian countryside is unknown to them. They’ve done it all the hard way, driving miles and miles in a sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold van, having done every thinkable gig from the smallest pubs to national TV. They’ve played to any kind of audience you can imagine; young, old, middle-aged (and probably some unborn as well), which leaves only the dead left out! Which, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to the music. Only the dead can ovoid getting soaked up by the energy and joy of this band. Their strongly fifties-inspired music (read: true rock ’n’ roll) is a relief at a time when most so-called rock-music sounds like it’s been washed, shaved and sanitized, whatever category you might fancy. There records is also as close to the band on-stage as you possibly can get. Their albums are recorded mostly live in the studio, it shows the band performing a set of songs which not only reflects the music they love, but also a band with its own identity and style. At first glance it’s of course Toini who steals the show, she sounds like the good, wild and innocent in one person, sometimes even at the same time. Power, feeling - she’s up there with the best. From big band jive via the amazing wild rockers to more heartmelting popburners like "l’m not the only one" and hot ’n’ sleazy R&B, she shows she’s got more than enough of what it takes. But let’s not forget the other three. Arne (bass), Martin (guitar) and Ned (drums) are providing her with the kind of back-ups she needs. Tight, energetic and embroidered with nifty little details, some of which you don’t discover at the first hearing. So, get some of their records, turn the lamps down low, your hi-fi high, and let the good times roll! By Will B., editor of Jello Submarine. Toini & The Tomcats are: Toini Knudtsen - sang Wanda Jackson's songs at the age of three and has been faithful to rockabilly ever since. She casts a spell on the audience with her wild and beautiful voice. |
