B-Side Guys

In the neon-lit alleyways where funk meets theater, Sex on Toast has constructed a dazzling funhouse mirror of an album. “Pegasus,” released on October 15, 2024, is a 43-minute odyssey that defies easy categorization, blending Hollywood glamour with Melbourne grit to create a sound uniquely their own.

Twenty years into their career, Sex on Toast has reached a point where they can afford to take risks, and “Pegasus” is their most ambitious gamble yet. This 12-track collection, three years in the making, is a concept album split into two distinct parts: fantasy and reality. The result is a sonic journey that feels like stumbling through a fever dream of a 1980s coming-of-age film, scored by a band equally comfortable with Motown grooves and avant-garde noise experiments.

The album opens with “Opening Credits,” a cinematic overture that sets the stage for the surreal narrative to come. It’s a bold statement of intent, signaling to listeners that they’re in for more than just another funk record.

“Somebody Like You” follows, bursting with the kind of infectious energy that has made Sex on Toast live favorites for years. The track’s driving rhythm and playful lyrics showcase the band’s ability to craft pop hooks without sacrificing their quirky edge.

As the album progresses, Sex on Toast demonstrates their impressive range. “Never Let Go” is a masterclass in tension and release, its propulsive groove underpinning lyrics that hint at obsession and regret. “Take Your Mask Off (And Love Me Tonight)” shifts gears into sultrier territory, its slow-burn intensity building to a climax that’s both musically and emotionally satisfying.

The album’s centerpiece, “Pegasus Rising,” is an instrumental tour de force that lives up to its mythological namesake. Here, the band’s jazz influences come to the fore, with complex harmonies and virtuosic solos creating a sense of ascension that’s almost palpable.

One of the album’s most unexpected moments comes with “Neil Hamburger’s 2 Cents,” a spoken-word interlude featuring the cult comedian. It’s a risky move that pays off, providing a moment of levity that serves to heighten the emotional impact of the tracks that follow.

“But Still You Whine?” and “Another One” form the heart of the album’s “reality” section, dealing with themes of disappointment and repetition in relationships. The former’s melancholic synths and the latter’s aggressive rock edge showcase Sex on Toast’s ability to convey complex emotions through their music.

“Layin’ Next To You” offers a moment of vulnerability amidst the album’s more bombastic tracks. Its stripped-back arrangement allows the raw emotion in the vocals to shine through, creating an intimacy that feels earned after the sonic journey that precedes it.

The album closes with “Enrique,” a track that manages to distill all of “Pegasus’” themes into a single, powerful statement. Its blend of introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation serves as a fitting epilogue to the album’s narrative arc.

What sets “Pegasus” apart is its seamless blend of musical virtuosity and emotional authenticity. Sex on Toast has crafted an album that’s as technically impressive as it is deeply felt. The production, crisp and dynamic, allows each of the more than 36 credited musicians room to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

Lyrically, “Pegasus” is a triumph. The band navigates themes of love, loss, and identity with a deft touch, avoiding cliché in favor of nuanced observations that resonate long after the music fades.

For long-time fans of Sex on Toast, “Pegasus” represents the culmination of everything the band has been working towards for the past two decades. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect introduction to their unique blend of funk, jazz, and theatrical rock.

As Sex on Toast prepares to take “Pegasus” on the road for their upcoming Australian tour, one can’t help but wonder how these complex, layered compositions will translate to the live setting. If their past performances are any indication, audiences are in for a treat.

“Pegasus” is more than just an album; it’s a statement of artistic intent from a band at the height of their powers. It’s a work that demands – and rewards – repeated listens, revealing new layers of meaning and musical detail with each spin. In a musical landscape often dominated by algorithmic playlists and disposable pop, Sex on Toast has delivered a cohesive, album-length experience that reminds us of the power of long-form artistic expression.

As the final notes of “Enrique” fade away, listeners are left with the sense of having experienced something truly special. “Pegasus” is a soaring achievement, a testament to Sex on Toast’s growth as artists and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what funk and rock can be. It’s an album that will likely be discussed and dissected for years to come, cementing Sex on Toast’s place in the pantheon of Australian music icons.