Nostalgia can be addictive. When something provokes nostalgia in me, it tends to start as a high that somehow turns into a hollow longing. When a song mirrors that sensation, it can feel almost voyeuristic. Provoking something that’s rooted in realizing the present will become the past at some point and eventually fall out of reach.
Toof Fairy has only released three singles. If you listen to them in order, you might assume that the third will be another noisy 90s rock tune. But “Third Grade” takes the group’s sound in a different, more tender direction.
Toof Fairy, “Third Grade”: The band’s latest single opens with an isolated acoustic guitar that finds its footing when the lead singer’s airy, soprano voice croons “You’ve had the same face since the third grade.” Her voice lures the listener along, dancing from a light yet confident whisper to a deep proclamation. The track ends by incorporating some jagged distortion, both to her voice and to the lead guitar, all while the acoustic strums away. It evokes the feeling of driving through a tunnel, orange lights along the walls flickering as you fly by heading to that inevitable other side.
Like what you hear? Check out Toof Fairy Friday, June 20, at Che Cafe. Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists.