Monday 15 February 2016

Trevor's Head - TRICOLOSSUS (Album Review)


Release date: February 26th 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

TriColossus – Tracklisting

1. Blood Moon
2. Government Whores
3. Deep Blue Fish
4. Idiot Time
5. Ordinary Kind
6. But A Scratch
7. I Had Dreamt I Was Man…
8. Pan-Galactic Peaceniks
9. Roll It Over
10. 21 Tonnes
11. Casa De Eduardo

Band Members:

Roger Atkins – guitar and vocals
Aaron Strachan – bass, acoustic guitar, organ and vocals
Matt Ainsworth – drums, flute, synthesiser and vocals

Review:

UK Hard Rockers Trevor’s Head second album – Tricolossus – is the perfect mix of Stoner, Blues, Grunge, Desert Rock and Hard Rock with soulful vocals to match. This album was created for the sole purpose of having a great time. Trevor’s Head do show touches of original sounds of their own especially when the mood becomes more bluesy and psychedelic.

Opening track – Blood Moon – sees lead vocalist – Roger – influenced largely by the legendary Desert/Stoner Rock scene. Shades of John Garcia appear here and there as the band opts for a grunge/stoner driven sound that packs quite a punch. Trevor’s Head create some heavy blues inspired tribal based sounds to show you they’re not afraid to experiment with the standard Grunge/Desert/Stoner Rock sound.

Second Track – Government Whores – is a song with a slight punk influence especially where the lyrics are concerned. The song title tells you all you need to know how angry the band feels about the current political climate. Perhaps one of the first politically driven Grunge/Stoner Rock songs I’ve heard in a very long time. Though it’s the riffs that hold your attention and when the band change different styles that will leave you no doubt these guys have something special about them. This is a loud, noisy and action packed affair that can be classed as one of the standout songs on the album.

Third track – Deep Blue Fish – is a more grizzled style of Desert, Grunge and Stoner Rock as the band go through the motions on this song. It’s a very good song but lacks the excitement and depth of the other songs on the album. The dual vocals are under-produced at times.

Fourth track – Idiot Time – sees the band return to form with a fast-paced song that has a snarling punk attitude as the guys go straight for the jugular. It’s an exciting take where the Hard Rock grooves become more prominent that before. Distorted psych guitar riffs blended with angry punk based drumming and snarling vocals show you that Trevor’s Head have their first “true” moshpit anthem.

Fifth song – Ordinary Kind - is more of a classic hard rock number with traces of grunge and stoner rock. The vocals are handled reasonably well but the lyrics could have done with more work. Though you can’t complain about the riffs as this is where Trevor’s Head excel at.

The rest of the album sees the band create almost different styles for each individual song. The production can be hit and miss at times especially on later moments but that shouldn’t affect the overall enjoyment of the album as Trevor’s Head have created a stunning album for you to listen to over and over again. Songs such as Pan-Galactic Peaceniks and 21 Tonnes show you that Trevor’s Head have what it takes to make a lasting impression within the UK Grunge/Stoner Rock scene.

If you’re a fan of good old fashioned Classic Hard Rock, Grunge and Stoner Rock then Trevor’s Head is the band for you. Despite a few issues with album that I’ve mentioned earlier, Tricolossus is a superb and hugely entertaining album that will keep you coming back for more. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Trevor’s Head for the promo. TriColossus will be available to buy on CD/DD from Feb 26th 2016.

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