The tracks on “Toys” draw from a variety of musical influences. Although they admit their individual tastes differ greatly the band cites Tortoise, Jim O'Rourke, Sufjan Stevens, Battles, Frank Zappa and Steve Reich among their shared favourites.
Mat and Ben have been making music together since they were 14, before meeting other members around university and starting Special Benny (named seconds before playing their first gig, the name stuck ever since...).
Despite building up a solid live following and self-recording/producing/releasing the “Rumblestrip EP” in 2006, the group struggled to find their natural rhythm and life began to interfere. original drummer Steve Galloway left, Matt Turner took a job in Australia for a year, Mat Baynton’s acting career took off, Ben and Grace started a family – the group even called time on Special Benny with a final gig at their spiritual home of The Fox in Lewisham, South East London.
Then in late 2008, they discussed playing seriously again with their friend and drummer Rob Smoughton (who releases as Grovesnor on Lo Recordings and is live drummer for Hot Chip). The resulting rehearsals inspired the group into resuming with renewed focus, leading to the completion of “Toys”.
Air Filter
Special Benny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got theseя bones and eyes made for seeing
You've got all of these things and more
Something else I don't know which I need
I will reach down your throat trying to find it
Oh your stomach turns at the thought of
No one taking time
Somehow chewing inside of your cheeks
You're afraid of the lengths I will go to
You pull words from your mouth in such order
I could not consciously have composed
My intentions escape my own notice
Now we're stuck with these cold consequences
Hear the notes awaiting their orders
Patiently they prepare for attack
Whenя they burrow under your ribcage
Nest themselves in your chest where it's warmest
In the song Air Filter, Special Benny describes his intense desire to be with someone who he admires and respects. He feels inadequate compared to the other person and believes that he needs something from them that he cannot find within himself. This feeling drives him to try to get inside this person, both physically and emotionally, so that he can understand what it is that they have that he lacks. The imagery of reaching down their throat and chewing inside of their cheeks is unsettling and indicates how far he is willing to go in order to get what he wants.
The other person is aware of Special Benny's intentions and is hesitant to engage with him on a deeper level. They also possess an artistic talent that Special Benny admires, but he cannot match. The consequences of his actions have left them in a state of tension, as the notes in the music metaphorically prepare to attack. The final line suggests that despite the discomfort caused by Special Benny's desire, there is still warmth and connection that can be found between them.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I will somehow hide in you
I want to be so close to you that you can't see me
I've got these bones and eyes made for seeing
I am equipped to observe everything around me
You've got all of these things and more
You possess qualities and traits that surpass my own
Something else I don't know which I need
There is an elusive quality that I require but am not aware of
I will reach down your throat trying to find it
I will go to extreme lengths to obtain what I am searching for
Oh your stomach turns at the thought of
You are repulsed by the idea of my invasive actions
No one taking time
Nobody is willing to put forth the effort needed
Somehow chewing inside of your cheeks
You are struggling internally with the situation
You're afraid of the lengths I will go to
You are frightened by the extremes I am willing to go to
You pull words from your mouth in such order
You express yourself in a precise and calculated manner
I could not consciously have composed
I could not have created something so eloquent with intention
My intentions escape my own notice
I am not aware of my own true motives
Now we're stuck with these cold consequences
We are facing the unpleasant outcomes of our actions
Hear the notes awaiting their orders
Listen to the music before it takes action
Patiently they prepare for attack
The music is calmly and carefully getting ready to make an impact
When they burrow under your ribcage
When the music affects you deeply
Nest themselves in your chest where it's warmest
The music takes residence in your heart, where it can have the greatest impact
Contributed by Aaron R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.