Toehider

Toehider are Australia’s most prolific progressive rock act. With the 2011 release of their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘To Hide Her’, they now have no less than 14 releases under their belt. After the release of their Queen/Panic at the Disco inspired self-titled EP in 2008, singer/songwriter Michael Mills bypassed the “difficult second album syndrome” by instead releasing 12 EPs in 12 months. The “12 in12” project was an unprecedented move that saw Toehider explore a vast array of musical styles and genres. Working with Brisbane illustrator Andrew Saltmarsh, each EP came out on the 12th of every month, complete with original cover artwork and a 2 page comic. The 12 in12 project was completed in April 2010, and after an 18 month pause, the follow up project and debut album “To Hide Her” was released. The lead single ‘The Most Popular Girl in School’ reflects the whimsical epic pop the band is famous for – and even better, the single comes with a karaoke version for fans to prepare for the imminent sing-alongs on tour. 2012 featured twin releases: the new single 'Smash It Out' cementing Toehider's place as a unique oddball in the prog/rock/metal world, along with a Christmas duet of Mariah Carey's vocally challenging 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' alongside Phoebe Pinnock (Heaven the Axe). 2013 saw singer Mike Mills travel to Europe on the invitation of legendary Arjen Lucassen for his new Ayreon album. The band have played shows opening for Twelve Foot Ninja, The Beards and sleepmakeswaves and toured with US operatic-rock heroes The Protomen in July before performing at Progfest 2013 in Melbourne. In October, they toured with Canadian prog rock icon DEVIN TOWNSEND in Brisbane & Sydney, launching their newest off-the-wall single 'Whatever Makes You Feel Superior." In 2014, Mills' video of himself singing Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' has racked up over 350,000 views. In February, plans for the forthcoming album 'What Kind of Creature Am I?' were revealed, with the band successfully raising funds for the album through a Pozible campaign www.pozible.com/toehider In March, Toehider embarked on a co-headlining tour with Troldhaugen, launching their new pop-catchy single 'Whoa!' In July, August and September, the band will tour around Australia, supporting the release of 'What Kind Of Creature Am I?' With a new album, new tours and more in the works, 2014 promises to be Toehider's biggest and best year yet! “The best Monday song ever. Yes, yes, I Must Say Yes.” – Zan Rowe, Triple J “I don’t throw it about willy-nilly. Their stuff is BOSS” – Andrew Günsberg (Channel V) “I don’t ever remember being this intrigued, entertained and worryingly obsessed with a band’s lyrics before” – Mitch Booth, Metal Obsession “Pop Punk meets Motorhead with soaring Bruce Dickinson Vocals” – Tom Hersey, Rave Magazine “Cool thing indeed. Like an Aussie version of Umphrey’s McGee” – Just For Kicks Music “…it was classic prog with a modern edge and fittingly, the band with serious chops did not take themselves too seriously” – Krystal Brinkley (Music Feeds)