http://larecord.com/revs/2009/09/01/live-review-shark-toys-christmas-island-lkeg-gallery/

Another faithful night at L’Keg beckoned me. First up was the Inland Empire’s own Shark Toys, who have made the switch from two piece to four since they last graced the pages of this glorious rag. Their attack on their set rings true, brought forth by lead Danny, who, with a vacant stare, cries out to the chorus during their opening number, “There’s somewhere I want to be but it’s definitely not here,” a declaration to and from all suburbanites who vacate the outer echelons of places such as our own great city. Shark Toys tends to defy any type of decade, testified by their cover of the Tronics’ “Crush on You,” with warbly attentiveness and youth-like tendencies. The band channeled the proto-punk gods—wildly yielding their instruments, Danny (guitar), Kyle (bass), and recent addition Matt (drums) provide the perfect yin to the yang of keyboardist Rena’s cool meditative state. It’s almost as if she is harnessing all of their creative energy to output her own. The dynamic between Danny and Rena while on stage together is like watching a younger version of John Doe and Exene, even sounding like them as they trade off vocal responsibilities during duets. The group’s jumpy raucousness presents the perfect kiss off to summer.