Photo courtesy of Toons’ Facebook page
In a world of much-too-serious video concepts and utterly ridiculous music trends, think of Toons as your classic Brooklyn party collective. At least, that’s what the band’s first video, “Bazooka Joe,” seems to suggest: a free, maybe even slightly volatile good time, where anything can, and probably does, happen. But aren’t those always the best stories?
On Toons’ self-titled debut, there’s no real agenda; just eleven quick, pop-inspired alternative tracks, perfect for blasting at the highest volume possible. Bedford + Bowery scored the “Bazooka Joe” premiere as well as an interview with Toons and video director Seamus McGuire, where topics like potential lawsuits were brought up and references to early-aughts action movies were made. If “Bazooka Joe” is your classic “happy nightmare” story, here are some thoughts from the morning after.
What inspired the bubblegum-meets-deadly weapon vibe of the song/video?
TOONS: Even bubbles can be dangerous.
Seamus: The song lends itself to a gritty black and white visual, but it’s about bubblegum…so I don’t think we could have left out the pinks in good conscience.
“Bazooka Joe” is pretty fast and furious. How does it stack up against the rest of the songs on the record?
TOONS: R.I.P. Paul Walker
Seamus: There’s a good bit of variation on the album, and the future videos will reflect that. Bazooka is sort of turning the key and revving the engine.
Did you know that there’s a cover band from NY called Bazooka Joe and the Bubblegum Beatdown? Any plans for a collaboration??
TOONS: Lawsuit. Next question.
Finally, what’s with all the sweat? (We’re hoping that was just water…)
TOONS: The song was so long that we were sweating by the end of it. Seamus also wouldn’t let us use the bathroom until the video was done being shot.
Seamus: It’s a fun video but it gradually becomes a little nightmarish, so I see it as them rocking so hard that they’re drenched in sweat…because they’re trapped in a happy nightmare, and have to keep playing.
“Bazooka Joe” by Toons
Toons’ self-titled debut arrives Tuesday, March 25 via Old Flame Records. Catch the band’s next show at Pianos on Wednesday alongside Shark?, Mean Creek, Gross Relations and Life Size Maps.