Shiny Toy Guns – the Los Angeles based alternative/electronic band – had fans feeling like they were “riding racecars and dancing on fire” at the Echoplex last night. Or rather, like they were raging in the infamous “Le Disko” music video or alongside television stars like Kate Moennig (The L Word) and Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill) who the track accompanied in cliff hanging scenes.

The innovative foursome – comprised of Carah Faye (vocals), Chad Petree (vocals/guitar), Jeremy Dawson (synth/bass) and Mikey Martin (drums) – formed in 2002. Petree and Dawson grew up together in Oklahoma and worked on a series of music projects, including the Grand Theft Auto III soundtrack in 2000. Four years later the two moved to LA and recruited Faye and Martin. Their debut album, “We Are Pilots” (2005) was self-released. In 2007 the album received a Grammy Award nomination in the ‘Best Electronic/Dance Album’ category. While it lost to the Chemical Brothers, “Le Disko,” “You Are the One,” and “Rainy Monday” – three singles from the album – continued to be replayed on iPods and laptops, and the group issued as an electro-rock band to know.

What fans weren’t ready for, however, was the group’s breakup, which resulted in Faye, a California native, moving to Sweden for their second album, “Season of Poison” (2008), no pun intended. As the first American band to play 41 British cities/shows in a row without one day off during their AIRBOURNE ZERO SEVEN UK tour, there wasn’t much time for rest or discussing group issues. But after Dawson and Martin joined her in soul-searching and debriefing, the friendships were mended.

And while Faye was missed, her absence did not hinder the success of “Season of Poison.” With Sisely Treasure on vocals, the album put some of their electronics to rest. “Ricchetl” and “Ghost Town,” were Top 20 radio singles and featured in films, television commercials and video games. Their version of the ‘80s classic “Major Tom (Coming Home),” however, went on to selling 600,000 units digitally.

Friendships were not only rebuilt once Faye returned to the group. Faye came back a new woman, a welcomed writer who has since joined Petree and Dawson in their creative process. 

A process that is exquisitely executed in the concept of their new album "III’s" first single, “Waiting Alone.” In the video a girl runs cross country from Los Angeles to New York City to be reunited with the love of her life. Its iconic imagery is captivating, while the story itself is emotional, dramatic – and like most love stories we watch, unrealistic – yet represents a magnitude of love we all hope for. 

The fall headlining tour began on the day their new album "III" was released and the album has received nothing but praise.

Future dates and cities:

Oct 26 - Toronto Hoxton

Oct 27 - Philadelphia Northstar

Oct 28 - Boston Brighton Music Hall

Oct 29 - Washington, D.C. Rock N’ Roll Hotel

Oct 30 - New York Santos Party House

Nov 1 - Chicago Subterranean

Much like “Waiting Alone,” although a little more upbeat and cheerful “Fading Listening” has become another popular single. The music video that portrays child versions of SGT members was released yesterday. 

The second show of the tour started with…well a malfunction.

After MNDR opened up for the group, about fifteen minutes were spent preparing the stage for SGT’s entrance. Mic checks, guitar checks, drum checks, and then some. Everything seemed to be working. So why – after Faye received a wild applause as she was the last of the four to step on stage – 45 seconds into the first song did she chuck her cordless mic to the back of the stage?

The supposedly perfect sound check wasn’t perfect after all. But like any show, it went on. Petree shared his mic with Faye, which enhanced the chemistry of the opening track. And for some comic relief, Faye occasionally mouthed the lyrics into the stand where her broken microphone once rested. From then on the show flowed, organically, there was no rusty evidence of not performing together in four years. As Faye noted after the first three songs (“Rainy Monday,” “Carrie,” “Ghost Town”).

“We put out a record, it feels good to say that, really, it’s been a while,” she said as the crowd cheered relentlessly. 

“Somewhere to Hide” was next, and the first song of the new album in the set list. Equally excited about the reunion, yet more stoked about the crowd’s energy was Petree…a man of few words, but possibly all the right ones. 

“Well, you guys kick ass,” he said calmly.  

After one new song, it was time to bring back. “Starts With One” and “Jackie Will Save Me” had the crowd rolling and reminiscing to the times when both songs could never get old. “Mercy” (another newbie), “Without You” and “Stripped” followed. Right after was “Major Tom,” perhaps the one cover that ever received such great attention. But nothing compared to the excitement expressed and energy felt throughout the venue than “Le Disko.” 

After the new short film hit “Waiting Alone,” the classic didn’t need an introduction. As Petree and Martin began, everyone knew exactly what intro was being played. Faye and Dawson’s energy skyrocketed as their stylish boots danced across the stage. As the chains on Dawson’s clinked, the sequins on Faye’s lifted with every syncopated beat.

They were back.

They are back.

Not only does "III" deserve the recent praise it’s received, but also Faye, Petree, Dawson and Martin put on a show that made fans remember why they loved them in the first place. Maybe because they were back home. Maybe they’re just that damn good. Either way – as the STG classic ended and the clock struck 12 – I left with a heart beat that was still thumping in sync with the bass and a little hard of hearing yet delighted to witness a promising reunion.

Check out their new album "III" here.

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Cortney Riles here.