Andrew Sherman
Audio By Carbonatix
Fort Worth-founded rock band Toadies will finally release their eighth album, The Charmer, on May 1, following an initial album announcement in early 2024. The band will also embark on a tour with more than 35 stops nationwide. The new album will be the band’s first in nearly 10 years.
“Musically, there’s a kind of new classic rock flavor built into Toadies,” guitarist Clark Vogeler said of the album’s annoucnement. “There’s always been some ZZ Top, but now there’s some Boston, Bob Seger, and Rolling Stones … and [lead singer Vaden Todd Lewis] is using a lot of 7th chords, which to me can sound panicked. It’s got this extra note in there that makes you feel like something’s not right.”
The album is being released by Spaceflight Records, an Austin-based non-profit label, and was recorded by legendary audio engineer Steve Albini. The producer’s death in May 2024 delayed the release of The Charmer. The album will be one of the few remaining posthumously released projects by Albini.
“I’ve been a fan of Steve Albini’s since I first heard the albums he recorded with the Pixies and PJ Harvey, so being able to record with him is really a dream come true,” said drummer Mark Reznicek.
Toadies’ last five albums were released with Dallas-based Kirtland Records. The press release says their move to Spaceflight, a “one-of-a-kind label” founded by industry insiders, resulted in what they’re calling “the most defiantly ‘Toadies’ Toadies album yet.”
“This felt like a natural fit,” said producer and label-founder Brett Orrison. “Working with Toadies reflects how we approach things at Spaceflight, supporting artists who value ownership, independence, and a sustainable way to make records. The Toadies have never needed context or explanation. Their music holds up on its own, and the way they operate feels intentional rather than reactive.”
The Toadies soared to national prominence with “Possum Kingdom” in the ’90s, and the platinum record set the stage for the band’s slot on large-scale festivals. They maintained a loyal local audience, achieving cult status in Texas, but still tour nationwide regularly.
To celebrate the release, the band will kick off a tour in Buda, Texas, on Apr. 16 and will reach Dallas by May 2, with a show at the Longhorn Backyard. The Black Angels, Local H and Dallas favorites The Vandoliers will open the show. Tickets go on sale Feb. 20.
