Twink, the Toy Piano Band! Twink, the Toy Piano Band!

Review of the Twink CD & picture-book from Wake Zine by Lorien Gruchalla

Twink. It's such a pretty sounding word. Short for Twinkie? Twinkle? Doesn't matter, really, because in this case, it's the name of the CD that Mike Langlie made with a toy piano, some serious beats, the occasional squeak toy, pling plongs, xylophones, and giggle sticks. This is the best part of your childhood — served up grownup style, hold the irony.

Unlike other toy piano-based music (Margaret Leng Tan's so-called "transcendental" remake of Eleanor Rigby comes to mind), Twink is just fun. Yes, it's sweet — how can it not be? And there are songs called "Fleezle", "Whoop de Doodle" and "Plinka Plinka Plunk", all of which sound exactly like their titles imply - fun. But there's more, so much more. "Moongirl" is a haunting piece with very obvious Asian influences, while "Shy Violet's" haunting cello and flute refrains evoke images of a soft autumnal evening filled with starry starry skies. "Indian Summer" offers up an ambient sensibility that would make any fan of Air proud.

Experimental and esoteric music of this nature rarely gets the exposure and airplay it deserves, and that is such a shame. Twink is innocent, it's incongrous, it's iconic. It's a much needed break from The White Stripes and Hives and Strokes and Blokes. If you enjoyed Crispin Glover's squeaky-mouse sonata in "Rubin and Ed," if you need a break from "blues-inspired indie pop," or if you're just looking for a different flavor of irony, go listen to Twink. You'll be happy you did.

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