Tasty Fanzine review of TOYS FROM BALSA - August 2005
Toys From Balsa is intriguing.
Some of it I enjoyed, some of it will ‘grow’. Its one of those albums that doesn’t instantly strike out but kind of ‘draws you in’ if not in subconscious way but in an appreciative way. Its experimental at times, has inspirational lyrics and sounds fresh for a male singer-song writer. Glyn Bailey vocals are very alike David Bowie (post Ziggy of course!). Toys From Balsa has some great tracks, some quite pleasing, some very comical, but none that are down-right awful. Anyone who names a track “Sorry (she went down on me but I thought about you)” gets my vote! Just listen to the lyrics on “The Plastic Bag Song (Facts)” and “Yellow Rage” and I defy you to be unimpressed.
Comparisons? Well The Divine Comedy (tracks 1, 4, 8 & others) David Bowie (track 10, 12) The Doors (track 3, 8) a kind of combination of the lot. Glyn Bailey is more than your average singer-songwriter; he sounds accomplished and content in his musical direction and taste. It’s for all of those reasons that this album (in my opinion) is admirable, enjoyable and has that quality that makes you hear something different each time it is played.