TOY PARLOUR: All Guns Blazing into the Alt-Rock Stratosphere

Formed from the crossfire of Brighton’s alt-rock trenches, TOY PARLOUR isn’t so much a “new band” as a full-blown supergroup in disguise. Featuring members of Beach Riot and Gnarlah, this five-piece has wasted no time making noise – literally and figuratively. Their debut single Say Something landed with infectious immediacy, their second, Lose It, takes things deeper and darker without losing the thrill, and their live debut at The Great Escape already has tongues wagging. With fun riffs, big feelings, and even bigger choruses, TOY PARLOUR are bringing innocence, swagger, and serious songwriting chops to the UK alt scene. We caught up with the band to talk self-doubt, spontaneity, and the joy of finally letting loose.

1. You’ve both come from well-respected alt acts – how did TOY PARLOUR come together, and what did you want to do differently this time around?

Ben (Guitar): How TOY PARLOUR formed was a ‘stars aligning’ moment for all of us. We’d all been around the Brighton scene for a while and finally had the time to fully commit to something new. Having seen each other’s creative chops in different projects, it felt like a no-brainer. We started this fresh, with zero baggage – no egos, no boundaries – just full creative trust. That really pushed us to become better songwriters.

2. Your debut single Say Something quickly found its audience – was there a moment where you realised this project might have legs beyond a side experiment?

Rory (Bass): Say Something was a turning point. It came together fast and naturally – it felt like all five of us just clicked. We knew from those early sessions that we had something special. When we played it back, we all agreed, “This would go off live.” That’s when it started feeling like more than just a side hustle.

3. Lose It wrestles with self-doubt and emotional contrast – was it important for you to channel vulnerability into a track that still hits hard live?

Travis (Bass): 100%. Audiences can tell when something isn’t real. Music gives us that emotional outlet – it’s therapeutic. Lose It is rooted in real feelings of helplessness and insecurity, but we wanted it to sound expansive, even liberating. Hopefully, it lands with people going through their own stuff.

4. There’s a real sense of fun and freedom in your sound – is that spontaneity part of your writing process too, or is it more considered than it sounds?

Jonny (Drums): It’s been a blur! We’re constantly swapping demos, voice notes, loops, riffs – whatever. There’s a lot of “what if we just try this?” energy. We’ve done some epic writing weekends at my home studio too, which have been super productive... somehow the neighbours still speak to me after those late-night vocal takes.

5. You kicked things off with a bang at The Great Escape – what did that first live show teach you about what kind of band TOY PARLOUR is (or could be)?

Ren (Vox): That show made one thing clear – this band is meant to be on stage. A bunch of us came from three-piece setups where you’re juggling guitar, vocals, everything. Now, with clear roles, we can let go a bit. It’s more spontaneous, more fun, and the crowd feels that. The whole point was to make music we love, and playing it live just amplifies that joy. When we’re on stage, the energy is real – it invites people to let loose with us.

New single “Lose It” is out now.More chaos, catharsis, and riffs incoming. Stay tuned.