Avery Cochrane‘s “Toy Gun”
Review by Louise Geri
Avery Cochrane released her debut album’s lead single, “Toy Gun” on September 9.
Earlier this year, Cochrane released her EP Male Validation and Other Drugs. The anticipation for her debut album is growing, especially after the inclusion of the Male Validation track “Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night” in the popular TV show Off Campus.
The “Toy Gun” single cover – photo by Samantha Klegerman
The pop sound of “Toy Gun” is like if Lady Gaga’s “How Bad Do U Want Me” (2025) and Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” (2010) had a child who, based on the topic, was adopted by Chappell Roan. Unlike its biological parents, but much like its mother, “Toy Gun” is able to move on from its past lovers.
Opening with an ’80s sounding synth beat, Cochrane leads listeners into a club where they’re unsure of whether they’re about to feel the loneliest they’ve ever felt, or have the time of their lives.
With a rough voice, the singer sets a snide scene regarding a breakup, “I met your hero on a Monday/celebrity sightings, always exciting, but I can’t lie/it was mundane.” Cochrane is over her ex even if they’re still on her mind, but she’s fed up and never returning. Not after having “booked a ticket to your guilt trip once every month” – such a baller lyric.
The confidence and freedom Cochrane feels is loud and clear before the chorus, “It’s not a competition, cause I already won.” In falsetto and with a flow akin to Chappell Roan’s 2024 hit “Good Luck, Babe!”, Cochrane opens the chorus with, “Bang, bang, run, run/Never owing anything to anyone!” She elaborates in the second verse even more boldly, “Never nostalgic, only astounded we were together in the first place.”
Sonically, the song may be reminiscent of many modern songs, but the older influences those songs clearly possess are present here too, particularly in the synths. Cochrane also delves into quick, almost brass-sounding violin riffs. Think of the orchestral riff in “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” (1979) by ABBA.
“Toy Gun” contains a wonderful topical look into the future while containing all the best parts of pop music’s past.
The Weapons of Iridescence Tour billing, design and photo by Samantha Klegerman, Marlena Lerner, and Emma Brooke
Following this bright sneak peek into “AC1”, as Cochrane dubs her debut album before its announcement, she will be embarking on the Weapons of Iridescence Tour. I hadn’t listened to much of Avery Cochrane’s music before hearing this song, and I look forward to hearing more. Keep up with Avery Cochrane online here, while “Toy Gun” is available on all streaming platforms here.