Contrary to popular belief rock ‘n’ roll isn’t the key to instant stardom. For a number of artists the big break doesn’t come from MTV but from months of hard work and touring. Jeremy Toback falls into this category.Toback originally came through the Columbus area as a second stage performer on the Lollapalooza tour. During an interview after his last performance on the tour, Toback discussed his album and touring. He first came to the public’s attention as a member of Brad, Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard’s side project. When Brad didn’t achieve the predicted commercial success Toback began work on his self-titled EP. “It was easy to work on the EP because it was so unplanned. There were no expectations so I could approach it without a care. After it received a good deal of positive feedback, there was a feeling of ‘How do we live up to this?’ It was pretty daunting.”The follow up album, “Perfect Flux Thing” is an overlooked gem. The album is a collection of acoustic based songs; however it isn’t 40 plus minutes of anemic strumming. By avoiding the screaming guitars Toback has created an album of subtle power.The album begins with the slow building “Butterfly Elephant.” There’s an intimate feel as Toback begins with just himself and a guitar. Lyrically he leans towards a more abstract and poetic approach. As he repeats the mantra “I’m walking through the remnants,” the listener is drawn in. The album grows with repeated listening but there are songs that immediately stand out. “Eden Trampoline” is the first song to kick the album off its hinges. It has a Middle Eastern crossed with Spanish guitar feel. The instruments twist, turn and battle for the listener’s soul as Toback growls and whispers his way through a tale of twisted love.According to Toback, “Eden Trampoline” blends a lot of things I’m interested in. Lyrically it balances a lightness, the chorus, ‘Soon baby soon,’ with a heavy concept. Hopefully that comes across.””Blood White Gold” features Kysia Bostic on backing vocals, plastic bucket and hand claps. Instead of being a gimmick, the elements add a subtle texture to the understated medication of dedication. Bostic and Toback’s voices blend nicely.Reflecting on his Lollapalooza experience, Toback said, “It’s been fun but a struggle. For most of the tour Korn was playing the same time as us. It was an adjustment not to take it personally when huge amounts of the crowd left to see Korn. For the last three dates the eels have been playing the main stage which has rearranged the schedule. For us it’s better.””Traditionally, Lollapalooza has had a history of hard music. So bands with a harder sound get more of a crowd response. We’re not necessarily well suited but we have gotten good response on the last few dates. Still Lollapalooza is a rite of passage for 1990s bands. We’ve done it and now it’s on to other shows,” he said.Toback will be returning to Columbus this Sunday opening for the band Tonic at the Newport Music Hall. Comparing this tour to Lollapalooza Toback said “Lolla was an incredible growing experience. These small and large club shows have been a lot more fulfilling in terms of interacting with an audience that wants to give the music more of a chance,” he added, “I think I’m better at lulling a crowd into liking us.”So young Buckeyes tape the X-Files season premiere and check out Toback this Sunday. And collect your pocket change and purchase “Perfect Flux Thing.” If you’re looking for a change from music that beats you over the head with in-your-face music and self conscious cleverness, Toback is one to watch.