London’s Tom Minor doesn’t do small talk. His sophomore effort, Ten New Toe-Tappers for Shoplifting & Self-Mutilation, arrives with a title that feels like a dare, but beneath the dark humor lies some of the most infectious “existential indie” you’ll hear this year. Released via Overreaction Records, the album proves that Minor has significantly upped the ante since his debut, Eleven Easy Pieces on Anger & Disappointment.
Despite the title’s numerical claim, we are actually treated to twelve tracks that effortlessly bridge the gap between gritty Britpop and sharp-edged power pop. Minor has a rare knack for masking heavy themes—climate anxiety, political unrest, and personal breakdown—behind melodies that demand movement. “Future Is an F Word” is a standout example of this duality, functioning as both a relationship lament and a grim look at global disaster.
The songwriting feels remarkably lived-in. In “Next Stop Brixton”, Minor takes us on a nostalgic, multi-dimensional train ride through the capital, featuring the biting solo work of Johnny Dalston. Meanwhile, “The Manic Phase” introduces us to the tragicomic world of “Thievin’ Stephen”, showcasing Minor’s ability to sketch vivid, Soho-based characters against a backdrop of R&B-tinted garage rock.
Producer Teaboy Palmer ensures the record remains punchy without losing its indie soul, particularly on the experimental, harmonica-heavy “Washed-Up Buoy” From the call-to-arms energy of “Change It!” to the Cure-adjacent rhythms of “Outgoing Individual”, the album is a cohesive, polished step forward. It’s a record that acknowledges the world is messy, but suggests we might as well find a rhythm within the chaos. For fans of smart, melodic indie with a sharp lyrical edge, this is essential listening.
