Sex On Toast Draws Open The Curtains For New Album 'Pegasus'
A brand new album from legendary Melbourne act, Sex on Toast, has made its grand debut today (Wednesday, October 16). With Hollywood surrealism, old-world glamour, edgy funk, and the feel of a coming-of-age movie, this is ‘Pegasus’.
After 20 years in the game, Sex on Toast have reached icon status. They’ve been selling out numerous live shows since 2014, recently opened for Todd Rundgren for his 2024 Australian tour, and gained over 13 million streams on their single ‘Oh, Loretta’, proving their cultural impact is undeniable. Proving that further, they’ll be taking Australia by storm on yet another national tour in November and December.
With an enviable back catalogue that covers a gamut of musical styles, their lush legacy gains another shining star in their latest album. 3 years in the making, Sex on Toast is emerging with their most ambitious work yet: ‘Pegasus’ delivers a luscious, energetic, moody new album that takes the listener on an unforgettable sonic journey. Drawing from an array of influences such as theatrical rock, film soundtracks, noise, and Motown, 'Pegasus' tells a story in two parts: part fantasy, part reality.
Composed in Los Angeles in 2020, and recorded slowly but surely in Melbourne between 2021-2023, this record blends Australiana with Hollywood charm like a dream. This record features more than 36 credited musicians, who are anywhere from Australian jazz legend Barney McAll, to cult comedy hero Neil Hamburger; this album features the cream of the crop of Australia’s jazz and classical world and the cast of regulars and veterans you’d expect from a Sex on Toast release.
The album begins with ‘Opening Credits’, in which the orchestra begins a soundtrack to a bizarre film, and the story unfolds from there. ‘Somebody Like You’ flows on from that into what could be the opening scene of the album, a groovy and boppy start. ‘Never Let Go’ is packed with groovy riffs, twinkling sounds, and airy backing vocals, melding from the daydream start of the album into something more melancholy, flowing into 'Take Your Mask Off (And Love Me Tonight)', a slower, sensual, jazzy jam with horns and keyboard synth. More instruments join in as the song builds up to a truly groovy out-of-the-box experience.
‘Pegasus Rising’ follows in a magical piano daze, a truly moody instrumental piece with old Hollywood energy. Following is a monologue, ‘Neil Hamburger’s Two Cents’, an ironic takedown of the album it’s featured on, with Neil Hamburger’s accent feeling right at home with the theatrical energy. The cutting comments are quickly proven false by the next track, ‘But You Still Whine?’, a retro, synth-infused, melancholic song that would feel right at home in the climax of a John Hughes movie.
‘Another One’ acts as a rude awakening, starting with discordant noises before launching into a more rock n’ roll beat, referencing the riff from the last song with a minor twist as melancholy turns to anger. The song ends with garbled radio static to change the mood, priming the listener for the next song, ‘Layin’ Next To You’, a slow, acoustic personal reflection, which brings back the synth towards the end of the song. ‘Ooo Yeah’ is short and curious, with instruments that seem to spiral around each other and play together for the short duration of the song.
The penultimate song on the album is ‘Prelude To A Cat’, a brief acoustic dalliance before ‘Enrique’ begins, ending the album on a stripped-back song which lets the singer’s strong voice really shine with the muzak beat and vulnerable lyrics, like someone trying to play it cool on their hardest day.
Sex on Toast’s legacy continues in ‘Pegasus’, out now, via Tonay Records! Catch them on tour throughout November and December - details below.
‘Pegasus’ Album Tour - Tickets
7 Nov - Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
9 Nov - Out West Festival, Ararat
15 Nov - The Vanguard, Sydney
16 Nov - Smiths Alternative, Canberra
22 Nov - The Evelyn, Melbourne
29 Nov - Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane
1 Dec - Wallaby Hotel, Gold Coast
'Pegasus' (Album) Out Wednesday October, 16 - Pre-save here
