Article by Harry Paterson
Photos courtesy of Sue Paterson

If you haven’t yet heard of Toxic Federation, don’t worry: you will.

The Midlands-based five-piece are currently completing work on their third album, titled ‘Distance’ and, judging by the demos and the handful of tracks the band have trialled at recent live shows, it seems inconceivable that major label success will elude them for much longer. One such live show was a triumphant headlining slot at this year’s Rock and Bike Festival where the band rammed the indoor arena with a capacity crowd and then proceeded to blow them away with not a cover version in sight.

The band’s management are currently finalising details on a proposed distribution deal which should see the Feddies exposed to an even wider audience and their rapidly expanding fan base are generating the sort of buzz that, if not for the notoriously shallow and fickle nature of the music industry, would already see them headlining stadiums.

Visiting the band at their Breaston-based recording and rehearsal studio, the mood of optimism and enthusiasm was palpable. “This album is going to be so much better than As One” enthused guitarist/writer/backing vocalist and producer, George Coleman. ‘As One’, the quintet’s 2010 sophomore effort, was an astonishing release, heralding the arrival of a genuinely exciting act with a depth of song writing maturity that belied their tender years.

For all its strengths, and there were many, As One revealed the band’s influences in several places. The new material, however, in addition to being richer, heavier and displaying a far greater degree of sophistication, also sees the musicians finally arriving at a definitive Toxic Federation sound. Really, the new songs sound like no one else at all and it’s a sure bet that second-rate hacks will succumb to paroxysms of frustration trying to shoe-horn in those tiresome and wholly ridiculous Motley Crue comparisons. Shallow comparisons, it should be noted, having absolutely nothing to do with the music and everything to do with the band’s retro 80s image. Listen with your ears, not your eyes is the best advice…

“We’ve got ten tracks” says drummer JR Windsor “Distance, White Lies, Motorway Asylum, Dearest Friend, Clear Skies, On The Beach, although that title may well change, Life Of Mine, Self-Inflicted Fate, World’s End Road and Dark Eyes”

“We’re on schedule for the completion date” added front man Mitch Emms “It’s really just a case of fine tuning the arrangements on a couple of songs and then I’ve got to lay down the vocals for three of them”

The album artwork has also been finalised and a new video to promote the release is ready but currently under wraps while the band’s booking agent, San Phillips of Jailbreak Events, negotiates with interested parties to ensure the widest possible exposure.

Like the album itself, the new video was put together by the band and their organisation on their own dollar and their own initiative and the huge leap from their earlier efforts reflect marvellously the band’s improved and highly impressive song writing. Featuring footage shot by bassist, Alex Stroud, JR Windsor and freelance photographer, Sue Paterson, it’s a cert that fans of the band will be delighted with the finished effort.

“We can’t wait for people to see it!” exclaimed manager, Beth Windsor “We’re really pleased with it. The idea came from a concept that Sue had for a photo shoot with JR and it just evolved organically from there. Sue directed it and JR took all the footage he, Alex and Sue had shot and he’s done an incredible job of splicing, editing and producing the final result. San’s talking to several people about it at the moment and we think it’s the perfect introduction to the new songs”

The new album is scheduled for a mid-Autumn release, the precise date to be confirmed and it’s already a safe bet that it will feature on many Best Of 2011 lists.

In the meantime, visit www.toxicfederation.com, check out the gig listings and catch the band live. Do not miss the chance to see one of the UK’s finest unsigned acts playing some of the classiest and inspiring rock ‘n’ roll it’ll be your pleasure to hear.