Igor Krutogolov’s Toy Orchestra (aka Igor Krutogolov’s Karate Band) stands as one of Israel’s most enduring experimental music groups. Since 2005, the band has navigated frequent changes in aesthetics, personnel and production tendencies, yet the core concept has persisted – creating music solely using toys.
My introduction to the band occurred in 2021 when I watched the film “Kafka for Kids”, directed by Roee Rosen. The group’s leader, Igor Krutogolov, composed the soundtrack for this captivating cinematic piece, and the band played a significant role on screen as the “house band” for the fictional children’s show “Kafka for Kids”. Since then, I’ve been hooked, with the soundtrack album becoming a constant presence in my music library. Naturally, when I discovered that the band was performing at Levontin, I seized the opportunity to witness this extraordinary ensemble live.
The live performance was a revelation, offering a vibrant fusion of modern Hyperpop, punk-rock, and some good ol’ prog elements for good measure. Yam Umi’s (the lead singer) voice, soft and innocent, seamlessly interwove with the band’s sound – a fascinating balance between electro-industrial and circus music. Her high-pitched tone and child-like manner of speech makes her the perfect front for a toy orchestra.
Igor’s additional vocals added another layer of depth to the performance. Ranging from high falsetto squeals to death metal growls and pure punk-rock screams, his interplay with Yam’s delicate voice expressions made for an enthralling experience. Regrettably, the venue’s acoustics hindered the clarity of the lyrics, a missed opportunity to appreciate the clever and intriguing nature of the texts. Some songs were undeniably catchy, leaving one to imagine the audience singing along if only they knew the words.
The toy instruments themselves occupied most of the stage. The main attraction was a table adorned with an array of colourful toy keyboards. This setup is the source of the distinct sounds that define the band. The novelty stemmed from the innovative use of these very limited toys, not designed for professional music production, to create engaging soundscapes. Embracing the DIY spirit of the punk movement, some of the keyboards seemed home-made, including one made out of Lego bricks. Additionally, the amplified kids’ drum set, played by the ever-energetic Roy Chen, acted as the cohesive force that bound everything together. Finally, the ever out-of-tune toy clarinet harmonies, a recurring feature in the band’s sound, added the final touch to this psychedelic soundscape.
The band’s remarkable on-stage group dynamics are truly awe inspiring. Throughout the show, dark and theatrical harmonies merged with an explosive performance to create a peculiar and immersive ambiance. At some points the music evoked the vibes of Canadian avant-garde band uneXpect (the track “Desert Urbania” instinctively came to mind). While the decision for a standing concert initially surprised me, the remarkably danceable music made the absence of chairs a fitting choice. Although the show was relatively brief, it left a lasting and gratifying impression, a testament to the band’s ability to engage and captivate.
Overall, the concert exceeded my already high expectations, offering an electric night at the Levontin. I wholeheartedly recommend catching the Toy Orchestra live on stage if you have the chance.
Checkout some of their work in the following links:
- https://roeerosenigorkrutogolovstoyorchestra.bandcamp.com/album/kafka-for-kids-ost
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J7bOJk9pko
- https://aurismedia.bandcamp.com/album/children-4-muzik
Letvontin 7, Tel Aviv, 20/07/2024
