Isn’t it a treat when you discover a “new” band via online friends? Especially when they really tick your boxes. So, may I introduce you to punk pop duo, Human Toys? They seem to have quite a following here in France. I mentioned them to my bandmate Mickey, who already knew their stuff, typically a man of good taste.

If you get your kicks from short, snappy Ramones-style pop tunes, then look no further. Poupée, on vocals and theremin and Jon Von on guitar and vocals bring you 13 new songs that grab your attention as they fly by. 2025 seems to be the year of great, short albums, but, as ever, it’s quality over quantity/time. You just know that Dee Dee would approve of ‘Devil’s Night’ and ‘Emma Peel Explosion’. There’s no time to think before ‘Generation Shit’ takes off, not unlike Cyanide Pills, and throughout the theremin does what Pete Shelley did so well, adding simple, addictive melodies.

Another similarity to, say, ‘Rocket To Russia’, is that if you love one song, you’ll love them all. It’s been done to death, but it’s not easy to write short, catchy songs, and the Toys really have nailed it. In fact, there’s no chaff on this or their debut, ‘Spin To Win’, so I felt compelled to buy ‘At The Poor Cow’ on vinyl (no CD available). As it’s from the EU, I’m not clobbered with 14€ customs tax! Rant over.

‘Breakin’ The Law’ isn’t the Judas Priest song (sorry Mr Hayward), and whether it’s ‘Go, Go, Alco’ or ‘Human Zoo’, your feet will be itching to get bopping. It’s not big, it’s not clever, and it’s all the better for it. It’s pure fun with great tunes, and there is a hint of The Rezillos here and there. I don’t know if there’s bass when they play live, but there’s plenty on the record, allowing the likes of ‘I’m Sick Of You’ to have the required clout. If Spotify is good for anything, you can listen to it and then order the album. What are you waiting for?

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette