One Empty Toybox’s “Cyberstalking” Review

A telephone rings on a black table, followed by another ring. There's no one in the room, but the screen continues to flash names you don't recognize. If there is one thing I would hear first when I hear the word “Cyberstalking” it would be “One Empty Toybox”. It is immediately tense, playful and energetic.

The guitar and old style synths immediately grab my attention. One moves, the other follows and responds. Underneath, the drums and electronic sounds maintain a brisk, steady rhythm as Nick Viltrakis continues the bass line. It's like new wave meets punk in a playful, lively way.

The atmosphere is what comes to mind for me. The subject matter is serious but the song has a playful side. It has a bit of humor as well. Rob Dreyer's voice joins the music, sometimes expressive, sometimes cheeky. It kept me smiling and interested. This combination works well.

Then the lead guitar comes forward. Rob plays with a loose, sharp sound and another lead guitar joins him. It is a natural and spontaneous feeling, as if they are having fun and letting the music flow. The music quickens, brightens and becomes a little wild. The song was going through me, and I felt my own energy.

It turned out that the song was an instrumental by Nick, with drums, bass, synth, rhythm guitar and a title. The lyrics were written by Rob in one evening. The music is alive and real, you can sense that process. Nothing feels forced. Two friends, who have been playing together for years, having fun and following the music.

This is why the song is even more special to me. All the proceeds benefit Stop Stalking Us. That's what makes the playful sound so meaningful. The fun has a purpose. It draws you in, and after it is finished, the message remains with you.

I continue to wonder how easy it is for someone to spy on another person without that person knowing. There were times that I needed to feel that fear in this song, but it also gives me comfort. The music is alive and strong, and that worry feels shared rather than something faced alone. At the end of the song I feel less lonely. This is what makes it stick in my mind.