TOY WEATHER – Feathers in a Strange Wind

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://toyweather.bandcamp.com/album/feathers-in-a-strange-wind

What a treat it is to see this musically adventurous and superbly arranged piece of work being released on CD and vinyl; it deserved a proper physical release as opposed to merely existing in the digital sphere. Main man Svein Hovland’s knack for crafting uniquely atmospheric compositions that seamlessly move back and forth between art rock, quirky pop, prog rock, and experimental yet quietly dramatic music consistently shines through in every passage on the disc, and the emotional heft of the song material is quite something to behold and take in. From gentle and wistful to bouncy and joyous and further on to brooding and tinged with longing, Toy Weather’s sophomore offering is nothing short of captivating and beautifully inspired.

The tracks that bookend the LP, namely “Wild Geese” and “Where All the Good People Go,” are masterful displays of how to fuse strong melodies, a sense of the intimate and reflective, and beguiling moods – almost akin to flawlessly composed pieces of melancholy art pop with a subtle dose of Americana thrown into the mix for good measure. Another highlight is the transportive and delicate “Sleepy Town,” which outright haunting.

Overall, Feathers in a Strange Wind is genuinely creative and imaginative, and each listen reveals new layers and nuances. Its contemplative nature would make it a wonderful addition to your January playlist. A prog-esque delight.