Jason McMaster, singer of the Texas rock band Dangerous Toys, has discussed the challenges delaying their first new studio album since 1995. In a recent interview, he highlighted logistical hurdles and the band's part-time commitments. Meanwhile, the group recently released archival material to mark their legacy.
Dangerous Toys, formed in 1987, built a reputation in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their blend of Southern rock and metal. Their self-titled debut album arrived in 1989 and achieved gold status by 1994. However, their 1991 follow-up, Hellacious Acres, struggled amid the rise of grunge. McMaster attributes this to the Seattle movement, noting in a past Metal Edge interview: "I think it had a lot to do with the whole Seattle movement. That record came out in '91, the same year Nirvana and Pearl Jam dropped their first albums." He added that the shift to grunge led major labels, including Columbia, to drop hard rock acts like theirs, as radio and MTV pivoted away from the genre.
The band released four full-length albums and one live recording before unofficially disbanding around 2000. Their third album, Pissed, came out in 1994, marking the last original material for decades. Recently, on December 12, Dangerous Toys issued Demolition via Cleopatra Records. This collection includes 10 previously unreleased tracks recorded during the gap between Hellacious Acres and Pissed, offering fans a glimpse into their creative process from that era.
In a new interview with Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of Rock Interview Series, McMaster addressed the long wait for fresh songs. He explained the band's infrequent gatherings due to day jobs and geographic distances: "We don't see each other very often... we've had to travel hours to go somewhere to be in the same room to get anything done." Songwriting with guitarist Scott Dalhover often happens via email, with drummer Mark Geary contributing remotely. Financial pressures mean time together focuses on live shows rather than recording.
Cleopatra Records is eager for a new full-length, with an unsigned contract in place. The band has five recorded tracks and needs four more for a 10- to 12-song album. They have performed new material like "Hangman Boogie," "Hold Your Horses," and "One's Too Many" at recent gigs. McMaster dismissed releasing an EP, insisting: "I wanna release 10 songs, 11 songs [as a full body of work]."