No More Cliches

The Zoo Crew is spinning "No More Cliches" by Toronto, a track from their 1984 album Assault & Flattery, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, clocking in at 4:21, is the closing track on the album, delivering a melodic rock punch with introspective lyrics. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its production context: Assault & Flattery was produced by Mike Flicker, known for his work with Heart, a band Toronto was often compared to due to their similar blend of hard rock and emotive vocals. The album marked a shift, being credited as "Holly Woods & Toronto," signaling lead singer Holly Woods' growing influence. In a rare 1980s interview snippet from a Canadian music magazine, Woods mentioned that "No More Cliches" was written to reflect a desire to break free from repetitive patterns in both music and personal life, though specific quotes about the song are scarce due to limited archived interviews.

Another tidbit about "No More Cliches" ties to its release on the album, which included a bonus track, "Where Are We Now?" on the CD version, performed by Holly Woods as a solo artist. This suggests the band was experimenting with individual expressions, and "No More Cliches" itself carries a raw, anthemic quality that fans on platforms like Toronto Rock Band Fan Group still praise for its emotional depth. Unfortunately, no direct social media posts or recent interviews from the band members specifically discuss this track, as Toronto's online presence is minimal, and the band disbanded in the mid-1980s. However, fan discussions on Heavy Harmonies highlight the song's enduring appeal among AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) enthusiasts, with some calling it a hidden gem in Toronto's discography.

Toronto got started in the late 1970s in Toronto, Canada, a city buzzing with a vibrant rock scene. The band, initially formed by Holly Woods (vocals), Brian Allen (guitar), Sheron Alton (guitar), Scott Kreyer (keyboards), Nick Costello (bass), and Jimmy Fox (drums), came together through local gigs and connections in the music circuit. Holly Woods, born Anne Elizabeth Woods in Durham, North Carolina, moved to Canada and was discovered while singing in local clubs. Her powerful voice, often likened to Heart's Ann Wilson, became the band's centerpiece. According to bio details from AllMusic, Toronto's early days were marked by relentless gigging in Toronto's clubs, leading to a deal with Solid Gold Records. Their debut album, Lookin' for Trouble (1980), featured the hit "Even the Score," which gained traction on Canadian radio and set the stage for their subsequent releases, including Assault & Flattery.

The band's official website is not active, as Toronto has not maintained an online presence since their breakup. However, fans can find information on platforms like Discogs or AllMusic. For social media, there is no official Facebook, Instagram, or X account for Toronto, reflecting their inactivity since the 1980s. Fan-driven spaces are more prominent, such as the Toronto Rock Band Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, vinyl photos, and discussions about tracks like "No More Cliches." Another fan site, Heavy Harmonies, serves as a hub for AOR and hard rock fans, offering discography details and user reviews. These communities keep Toronto's legacy alive, even without direct input from the band.