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

Review from NPR Music's Second Stage

Twink is Mike Langlie's surprising and playfully odd blend of electronica and cartoon music. The bright packaging and artwork accurately reflect the basic mood of the album: fun and very imaginative.

Langlie primarily relies on a collection of toy pianos found at thrift stores as the primary instrument behind his work. But he also colors the songs with accordion, autoharp, see 'n' say, xylophone, banjo, slide whistle, rhythm machines, and squeak toys.

The opening track on the Twink's self-titled album, "Hoppity Jones", sounds like remixed clown music. The playful hip hop beats on "Do You Hear The Frog?" mingle with samples of baby toys. After the first few tracks, Langlie enters darker, more serious territory. On "Sand and Fire", ominous bass and bells resonate over low beating drums while "Winterheart" has a driving, German microhouse feel.

Langlie mentions on his website that his music isn't aimed at children specifically. "I've gotten positive feedback from all kinds of folks, including kids, punks, and grandmothers (and even a punk grandmother or two!)." He writes, "It's certainly kid-safe, and the whippersnappers seem to enjoy it."

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