*photo by Heather Hanson

The Toads have been a crowd pleaser since they bursted onto the scene almost three years ago. First, their self-titled full length gave us a taste of their callback to 90s alternative and pop punk back in 2016. The Toads, still unsigned, have got a completely and fully supported DIY method of existing as a band that's contributed to what's made them such a delight so far. With Time having already been released earlier this year, band appreciators are lucky enough to get another one just as it's coming to a close. Today, The Toads dropped "It's for You."

Part of what makes The Toads so great is their reliability in sound. Even in welcoming new drummer Dylan Valentine to the mix The Toads haven't stumbled or faltered, the Weezer-esque "You Don't Deserve Me" and the raw punk feels of "Never a Good Time" for the new EP staying true to the band's capacity.

The Toads are offering up two chances this weekend to see them perform all the songs from "It's for You" live -- at tonight's release show at Clinton Street Theater with Cry Babe and Fire Nuns, and tomorrow night at the Turn Turn Turn for the Sounds Illustrated art opening with Piefight and Dr. Something.

Give "It's for You" a listen below.

Atmospheric in every sense of the word, Dr. Something's minimalist chamber folk pop takes on strange artistic sensibilities with aural novelty mixed with a slight cat-crazy Tumblr aesthetic. Clarinet, keys and accordian are the gold, silver and bronze winners of her instrumental outfit. Yet it's the eclectically toned pitch of Miss Dr. Something herself, Alison Dennis, that elevates its sapid qualities.

Since Dennis is well versed in all things musically weird (previously coming from the strange Dr. Something & the Pipin’ Hot Love Engines and Coney Island Cartel), the ways in which Dr. Something satiates this oft empty hole left in the market make sense. Her self described "sad bastard piano pop" could very well inspire some bummer feelings if you're in the headspace for such, but it's tracks like the indelilble "Imperfect Skull" off of 2015's Tomorrow's Just Fiction, to the hauntingly fun filled "Here Comes Count Dracula" from October of this year, that make it hard to be sad.

Having a sound unlike that of run-of-the-mill folk pop, Dr. Something holds high regard in local odd sounds, making music integral to keeping Portland weird.