What makes Season of Poison by Shiny Toy Guns notable?

The album received a mixed but generally favorable critical reception, with particular praise for its production and catchy hooks. Notably, it peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, marking a significant moment in their trajectory as they sought to expand their audience beyond niche new wave fans. Season of Poison is Shiny Toy Guns' second studio album, following their successful debut, We Are Pilots, which established them as a prominent new wave band. Released in early 2008, this album came during a period when the band was experimenting with their sound while aiming to solidify their place in the evolving electronic rock scene.

Who is Season of Poison for?

Season of Poison works well if you're into vibrant emotional exploration, thoughtful lyrics for reflection and ideal for solo listening.

How many songs are on Season of Poison?

Season of Poison has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Season of Poison

Shiny Toy Guns · 2008

45 min · 11 tracks · new wave

An energetic blend of synth-driven melodies and emotive vocals that encapsulate the anxieties of modern life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When Did This Storm Begin — This opening track sets a haunting tone with its atmospheric synths and introspective lyrics that explore themes of uncertainty and change, effectively drawing listeners into the album's mood.
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I Owe You a Love Song — With its infectious chorus and danceable beat, this track showcases the band's ability to merge emotional depth with catchy pop sensibilities, highlighting their unique sound.
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Poison — The titular track stands out for its epic length and layered instrumentation, embodying the album's central themes of toxicity and emotional turmoil through dynamic shifts in energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and energetic melodies but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a consistent high-energy tempo, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
Several tracks feature layered synths that create a dense soundscape, particularly in 'Ghost Town' and 'Poison'.
The album includes moments of vocal harmonization that enhance emotional intensity, especially in 'I Owe You a Love Song'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant emotional exploration
thoughtful lyrics for reflection
ideal for solo listening
engaging narrative through tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek high-energy party music

Where this album fits

Career context: Season of Poison is Shiny Toy Guns' second studio album, following their successful debut, We Are Pilots, which established them as a prominent new wave band. Released in early 2008, this album came during a period when the band was experimenting with their sound while aiming to solidify their place in the evolving electronic rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Naked and Famous· Chvrches· Passion Pit