Car Seat Headrest in the news – July 2017

“Over the course of the past year, the album’s steady success has turned Toledo into a rare rock-and-roll breakout star, turning him from just another anonymous kid uploading his songs online to frontman of a band drawing thousands of fans at massive festivals such as Coachella.”

–Briana Younger in The Washington Post, July 30, 2017

“I now understand that while Car Seat Headrest’s music may be rooted in sadness, the sadness is a journey to go on, not a place to dwell in.”

–Sophia Naide on Behind the Setlist, July 15, 2017

“Given the context, Car Seat Headrest were one of the stronger options for headliners on Sunday night, and they won over their crowd convincingly.”

–Allen Halas in Breaking & Entering (Milwaukee), July 3, 2017

“Toledo’s music remains as earnest and innocent as his earliest recordings, and his voice has a certain tenderness to it that reveals his enduring sensitivity.”

–Laueren Keene in Milwaukee Record, July 3, 2017

“Though his disinterested demeanor matched his lyrics, the audience was clearly made up of true fans; they were familiar with Toledo’s self-deprecating lyrics and sang along to every word.”

–Shaye Graves in Shepherd Express, July 2, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – June 2017

“Their haunting melodies adhere themselves to your inner ear and leave you deciding to just leave the album on loop for hours on end.”

–Scott Castro on RVA Hub, June 29, 2017

“Don’t miss indie rock band Car Seat Headrest.”

–Colleen Curran in Richmond Times Dispatch, June 28, 2017

“Catch up with the Leesburg-born band ahead of their closeout performance at Friday Cheers on June 30”

–Robey Martin in Richmond Mag, June 27, 2017

“…one track from the record stood out for me and sparked something deep inside of me that few songs have before.”

theindianindiehead, June 22, 2017

“‘His name is Ethan Ives and he plays in a band called Car Seat Headrest,’ she said casually.”

–Gabe Pollack on KEXP.org, June 20, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Juggling Criticism, Praise as a Young Band”

–Kristin M. Hall on Associated Press News, June 19, 2017

“The twenty-something is able to reach back and pull out some of that late teen angst, turn it into a brilliant indie rock sound, and then throw in (sort of but not…) covers here and there, making you scratch your head like whaaaat but then the end result is ‘OMG I love this.'”

–Brittany on Live Music Louisville, June 19, 2017

“…the band created a quintessential Bonnaroovian moment: everyone in the audience could relate to the excitement of a fantasy coming to fruition, so the tent’s overflowing positivity – emanating equally powerfully from the band and their crowd – only enhanced Car Seat Headrest’s already consistently superior indie rock chops.”

–David Brendan Hall on Consequence of Sound, June 12, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest had one of the best sets of the festival. Keep an eye on Will Toledo, he is surely destined for even bigger things.”

–Chris Rutledge in American Songwriter, June 10, 2017

“A star was born on stage at This Tent Friday afternoon, and we’re not talking about indie-rockers Car Seat Headrest — though they’re among the most acclaimed acts to emerge from that world in the last few years.”

–Dave Paulson in The Tennessean, June 9, 2017

“The four-piece took to the stage with no ceremony, grabbed their instruments and proceeded to melt my face off with a blistering performance.”

–Joe Marvilli on No Ripcord, June 9, 2017

“Toledo raps, under the stage name ‘Stoney Bologne,’ about how bullies pushed him into pools and kicked his face.”

–Grant Sharples on Paste, June 8, 2017

“After cheekily acknowledging the piece on Twitter yesterday, Toledo and his band have dropped what’s been described as “our new, on-point diss track.”

–Sarah Murphy on Exclaim!, June 8, 2017

“Will Toledo shares his ‘brand new, on-point diss track’ after Sam Ray called his music ‘thoroughly bland'”

–Evan Minsker on Pitchfork, June 7, 2017

“Ricky Eat Acid Shares Essay-Length Car Seat Headrest Takedown”

–Chris DeVille on Stereogum, June 7, 2017

“Toledo’s ‘Stoney Bologne’ is less of a diss track and more of a rambling joke-rap digression about being bullied in school…”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, June 7, 2017

“…to be among a friendly group of people, all connecting, all exuding redemptive, therapeutic energy was inspirational.”

–Turner Walston on Argyle Creative Media, June 6, 2017

“From one of the top albums of 2016 – Teens of Denial – Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo sings about past lives, drugs, that guy he hates and well, being letdown by hippie culture, all with charged-up guitars and a crazy-good hook.”

–Anurag Tagat on Askmen India, June 5, 2017

“Governor’s Ball After Dark — Car Seat Headrest”

crowdalbum, June 5, 2017

“Despite his shy demeanor, this anti-frontman’s ability to mesmerize a room is a testament his solid songwriting, which was on full display tonight.”

–Audra Tracy on The Waster, June 4, 2017

“Mighty songs from a muscular band.”

–“All Songs Considered” on NPR, June 1, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – May 2017

“Alternative band Car Seat Headrest, who has been making waves in the music industry since the release of their sophomore album, ‘Teens of Denial,’ will be playing a late-night set at Webster Hall after their performance at Gov Ball.”

–Dana Reszutek on amNY.com, May 25, 2017

“Lo-fi indie rocker and Bartlett favorite Car Seat Headrest, the project of Will Toledo, makes its Sasquatch debut this year… Toledo has a cult following so expect big crowds.”

–Azaria Podplesky, The Spokesman-Review, May 25, 2017

“9 bands to discover at Sasquatch 2017”

–Branden on 107.7 the end (Seattle), May 24, 2017

“CSH proved themselves to be contenders as just an excellent and unique rock band in an era where rock music isn’t necessarily in the spotlight for American music culture anymore. All hail Will Toledo. All hail Car Seat Headrest.”

–Mitchell Banks on WIUX (Indiana University Student Radio), May 23, 2017

“Australian alt-rock trio Middle Kids are announcing a North American tour today. To promote it they went on SiriusXM radio, where singer Hannah Joy performed a solo piano cover of Car Seat Headrest’s Teens Of Denial opener ‘Fill In The Blank.'”

–Chris DeVille on Stereogum, May 17, 2017

“With a very personal, smart, and insightful lyrical prowess and a dynamic, inventive indie rock style, Car Seat Headrest are one of the most exciting rock group to pop up in recent memory, and with an engaging, stellar live show to boot, they’re at must-see at Bonnaroo.”

–Philip Obenschain on No Country, May 15, 2017

“The band now tours the world and continues to top all the charts with their songs that are angsty, emotionally complicated in the most endearing way, and so honest that it sometimes stings.”

–Cynthia Bonitz on mxdwn.com, May 11, 2017

“The energy, comfort and familiar awkwardness of the set was exactly what the night called for and Toledo did not disappoint.”

–Adrian Vega-Albela Osorio on KSXC Radio (Los Angeles), May 10, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s ambition and stunning songwriting has been apparent since its early days of recording in Toledo’s car − only difference is that they’ve upgrading their recording digs and there’s a host of adoring fans listening.”

–Avery Newmark on AJC.com, May 5, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – April 2017

“Last night, ‘Conan’ welcomed musical guests Car Seat Headrest.”

–Evan Minsker on Pitchfork, April 19, 2017

“In between Coachella weekends, Car Seat Headrest stopped by Conan on Tuesday night (4/18) to perform a somewhat revamped version of ‘Unforgiving Girl (She’s Not An)’ from last year’s terrific Teens of Style.”

–Bill Pearis on Brooklyn Vegan, April 19, 2017

“Our 2016 Rookie of the Year performed a new version of ‘Unforgiving Girl” (She’s Not An),’ taken from last year’s excellent Teens of Denial.”

–Michelle Geslani on Consequence of Sound, April 19, 2017

“I don’t know if Will Toledo is satisfied, but I’m certainly happy that songs like ‘Faith In Anyone’ finally made their way into the world.”

–Alex Galbraith on Uproxx, April 17, 2017

“But although Radiohead played to a surprisingly small audience…middlebrow guitar bands such as Bastille, Car Seat Headrest and Local Natives pulled fans in numbers that suggested rock isn’t dead yet…”

–Mikael Wood in the Los Angeles Times, April 16, 2017

“Listen to his lovely, acoustic cover of ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore’…”

–Janice Headley on KEXP-FM, April 12, 2017

“For his passionate and heartbreaking version of ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore,’ Toledo swaps out all the electric guitars and drums for a single acoustic guitar.”

–Robin Hilton on NPR Music, April 12, 2017

“Truly haunting.”

DIY Magazine, April 12, 2017

“…this acoustic version is pretty haunting and would definitely make Morrissey proud.”

Pure Volume, April 12, 2017

“Toledo’s version is an aching acoustic rendition in the vein of his ‘Pyramid Song’ cover…”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, April 11, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have shared an acoustic cover of the Smiths’ song ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore.'”

–Noah Yoo on Pitchfork, April 11, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have a certain touch which makes them a shining beacon in the ocean of Indie bands competing for attention today.”

–Clare Kelly in Counterfeit Magazine, April 5, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – March 2017

“Today, [Toledo] revealed some interesting details about the songwriting and publicly processes behind his two most ambitious albums.”

–Rob Arcand in Spin Magazine, March 30, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Surprise Highlight of BBC 6 Music Festival Day 2”

–Suzanne Oswald and Robert Blair on Gigwise, March 27, 2017

“…half way through the night a newly married couple, still fully dressed up, arrive in the crowd, bouquets in hand. More remarkably, they are not even obviously happier than the folks surrounding them.”

–Max Pilley on Too Many Blogs, March 27, 2017

“This week, Car Seat Headrest – the indie rock anti-heroes behind 2016’s brilliant Teens Of Denial – curate 19 tracks spanning Tom Waits, Nirvana, Pixies, Leonard Cohen and Guided By Voices.”

Crack Magazine, March 27, 2017

“The rollicking guitar and drums pulse through the song, showing off the simplicity and beauty of Toledo’s songwriting.”

–Javi Fedrick on The Arts Desk, March 27, 2017

“People around me jump, sweat, sing along, feeling emotionally connected to the stage, where a 25 years old man from Virginia moves fast through his setlist.”

–Marco on Indie + Tonic, March 24, 2017

[Will Toledo’s] “awkward take on issues that impact most teens and young adults such as drugs, sex, and insecurity make him extremely relatable. ”

–Aliyah Webs in Affinity Magazine, March 12, 2017

“Coming off his fantastic album, Teens of Denial, our 2016 Rookie of the Year is scheduled to play practically every music festival there is, from Quebec’s Osheaga to Tennessee’s Bonnaroo to Norway’s Oya.”

–Ben Kaye on Consequence of Sound, March 6, 2017

“Will Toledo will be taking his band out on the road for an extensive run of headlining dates…”

PureVolume, March 6, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have announced a slew of new tour dates for 2017.”

–Noah Yoo on Pitchfork, March 6, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – Feb. 2017

“In less than a year, the album Teens of Denial made it to the top of countless best-of-2016 playlists, the band have been booked by high-profile mainstream TV shows such as The Tonight Show and the 24-year-old Toledo ­regularly faces huge crowds who roar his lyrics back at him in packed venues.”

–James Belfield in The Listener (New Zealand), Feb. 16, 2017

“Even without checking production credits, the imprint that Car Seat Headrest and lead singer Will Toledo has on Gold Connections is unmistakable.”

–Jared McNett in Paste Magazine, Feb. 13, 2017

“Gold Connections is something like the Silver Jews to Car Seat’s Pavement: rich and wandering, hazy and pensive with the sort of thoughtful lyrics and explosive choruses we’ve come to expect from a Toledo production.”

–Rob Arcand in Spin, Feb. 13, 2017

Review of “Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales”

–Erika Kooda in Atwood Magazine, Feb. 2, 2017

“It was certainly an experience we all needed.”

–Danielle Hansen on Howl & Echoes, Feb. 2, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the News – Jan. 2017

“Their ability to manipulate an entire room of people into becoming the most attentive audience I’ve ever seen is incredible, and indicative of their great talents.”

–Annie Cooper on the interns, Jan. 30, 2017

“This was one of those gigs that you leave with guitar hooks ricocheting around your head, Will’s face swimming before your eyes, and vocals surging up inside you.”

–Margy Noble in The AU Review, Jan. 28, 2017

“…a solo performance from Will would be a rare treat and was sure that he would’ve held that room in the palm of his hand even if all he was left with was a kazoo and maybe a pair of castanets. He’s just that talented.”

–Nick Wagstaff on Moshcam, Jan. 27, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Explain What’s Up With That Smash Mouth Collaboration”

–Matthew Strauss on Pitchfork, Jan. 26, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo Talks Smash Mouth Plans”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, Jan. 25, 2017

“Fans of indie rockers Car Seat Headrest may be in for a surprise solo show tonight in Sydney from frontman Will Toledo, as the band have announced members Ethan Ives, Andrew Katz and Seth Dalby have been caught up with flight delays.”

The  Music (Australia), Jan. 25, 2017

“The maker might be aloof and measured in person, but this record is anything but, with brash lyrical couplets bolted to guitar music that’s vivid, muscular, ambitious, unpredictable.”

–Grant Smithies in Stuff (New Zealand), Jan. 22, 2017

“[Will Toledo] reveals how he grew his passion from a cult following to a record deal, the people who inspired his journey, finding motivation as an artist and why we should check out Car Seat Headrest at Laneway.

–Fiona O’Connor on Concrete Playground, Jan. 18, 2017

“You dreams have been answered: Smash Mouth and Car Seat Headrest look like they are going to make a record together.”

Happy Mag, Jan. 18, 2017

“Smash Mouth have expressed their appreciation of Car Seat Headrest on Twitter before, but now their beautiful online bromance could be blossoming into something more.”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, Jan. 17, 2017

“…a critically-acclaimed follow-up that captures a youthful and all-too-familiar time of experimentation and discovery.”

–johnnysomebody re: Teens of Denial on The Telescope, Jan. 16, 2017

“Yes they’ve been around for a few years, but they really broke through this year as a new hope for alternative rock.”

–JT on The Bolg, Jan. 14, 2017

“2016’s Teens of Denial, echoed my reality like no other indie rock album has been able to.”

–Jennifer Park on Noisey, Jan. 13, 2017

“…an exhilarating ride…”

–Ed Masley re: “Teens of Denial” in the Arizona Republic, Jan. 13, 2017

“…most of their songs start soft and mellow and quickly build into blaring indie-rock tunes that you can’t help but sing/scream along to…”

–Mariella on KXSU (Seattle University), Jan. 10, 2017

“Thirteen albums in, Car Seat Headrest is on its way.”

–Iain Shedden in The Australian, Jan. 7, 2017

“The record was actually recorded back in 2014 when [Will] Marsh was an undergrad at William & Mary, with help from Marsh’s classmate: Car Seat Headrest mastermind Will Toledo, who produced, engineered, and mixed it in addition to contributing drums, electric guitar, bass, and backing vocals.”

–Chris DeVille Re: “New Religion” by Cold Connections on Stereogum, Jan. 5, 2017

“Will Toledo captures the post modern atmosphere in the most sincere and eloquent ways possible – confessing his anxious thoughts, and wrapping them around haunting melodies.”

–John Naessig on StGA, Jan. 4, 2017