Review: Trixter “New Audio Machine”

Rock
Formed in Paramus, New Jersey during 1983, Trixter nealy arrived a bit too late to capitalize on the ever expanding melodic rock scene in 1990. With their big hair and youthful anthems, Trixter had no trouble breaking into the mainstream with hits like “Give It To Me Good” and “One In A Million”, and soon found themselves touring with heavyweights like The Scorpions, Poison, and Kiss. Their follow-up effort, “Hear!” showed maturity, containing more complex melodies and arrangements, but the record was destined to be more of a cult classic than a commercial success since grunge had taken over the musical landscape. Trixter released of an independent covers album before calling it quits in 1995. Some of the members released solo projects, including the pop punkish band 40 Ft Ringo and the more power pop outfit, Stereo Fallout.

Fast forward to 2007 and we see the band reuniting to perform some gigs – it wasn’t long before aspirations to record a new record emerged. The band wanted to create a classic melodic hard rock album with great songs, big guitar riffs, catchy vocals and a huge bottom end. To meet their goal, the boys collaborated with Glen Burtnik (Styx) and Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan of Skid Row to write songs for “New Audio Machine”.

The 2012 lineup features Pete Loran on lead vocals and guitar, Steve Brown on lead guitar, P.J. Farley on bass and Gus Scott on drums. “We take pride in the fact that we are one of the few bands of our genre that have all original members,” says Brown.

“New Audio Machine” definitely sounds like a proper third record from Trixter, although it contains welcome sonic updates. Fans of Stereo Fallout will also appreciate some of the more power pop cuts. The first single off the new album, “Tattoos and Misery” engages the rock fan immediately with thick riffs that lead up to a trademark Trixter chorus – a good choice to introduce folks to the band’s sound. “Drag Me Down” leads off with a bluesy, Blue Murder-like acoustic riff before kicking into high gear with roaring guitars. There’s also the obligatory homage to rock ‘n’ roll on the energetic “Save Your Soul”.

The best moments for me come on the mid-tempo tracks or ballads. While terribly clichéd, “Live For The Day” and “ The Coolest Thing” are guilty pleasures for sure. I also thought the album’s upbeat closer, “Walk With A Stranger” was a great storytelling piece with a healthy message and driving rhythm. There’s a handful of misses on “New Audio Machine”, that take place usually when the band degenerates into juvenile lyrics and tired jams (e.g. “Physical Attraction”, “Dirty Love”, “Machine”). But overall, I think this album is going to be a welcome treat for Trixter fans.

Trixter – Official site.

Check out the video for "Tattoos and Misery"

Classic melodic rock CD of the week

By Stephen Kasenda

TRIXTER "Trixter" (1990)

This New Jersey pop metal act actually had been playing together since 1985, but in 1989 they landed a good deal with MCA and went to Hollywood to record their debut. I heard a lot of Bon Jovi influence in their music and it is probably not a coincidence since they were raised in the same town as Jon. Honestly, Trixter can be considered a late comer on the scene and, with an average musicianship, there’s nothing really spectacular about them. But Trixter came out to have fun, to give you a lot of fun, and I catch their spirit throughout this album.

The first single, "Line of Fire", didn't hide their intention of borrowing Bon Jovi's arrangement. A decent track, but when "Heart of Steel" came into play, that's when I started to like them. With memorable lines sweeping across the sing-along chorus, this came out as their best offering. The first video release of "Give It To Me Good" rewarded them a top spot in an MTV show - the song is quite good, but the second video, "One In A Million", is much better and one of my all time faves. Loran's vocal is okay, Brown's guitar is good, but their weakness clearly is the drummer, Mark Scott. His play sounded a bit dull and weak and that's just sad. "Only Young Once" and "You'll Never See Me Cryin" are great as well, but the rest are largely forgettable, even though nothing's totally horrible.

Sound production is slightly below average, but thanks to several radio-friendly singles, this album went gold and Trixter enjoyed moderate success. Don't look for any virtuosity or complex songs inside - this is the type of album you want to play when you're out with the boys, for some casual fun getaway, or to get completely wasted.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: Stereo Fallout “The Other Side”

Steve Brown is an underdog in the modern pop rock world. He’s been pumping out catchy guitar riffs since his stint as guitarist in the early 90s hairband Trixter. After 'giving it to us good', he impressed us all with his musical makeover in the band 40 Ft. Ringo, in which he served as the primary songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist. 40 Ft. Ringo was a terrific reinvention: still present were the arena rock choruses, but they were placed in the context of music that sounded very modern, along the lines of Marvelous 3, American Hi-Fi, or SR-71. Steve Brown continues to evolve with his new band, Stereo Fallout.

“The Other Side” (2007) almost feels like the next record 40 Ft. Ringo would have released, but I think it is even more melodic and contemporary sounding. From start to finish, nearly every track is upbeat, catchy, and fun…making me long for the days when feel good rock like this dominating the airwaves (check out Steve's own homage to this on the track "Back in the Day"). Steve has kept the philosophy of Trixter, but has dramatically updated the sound and style of the music delivering that message. It is a very similar trajectory that Butch Walker has also taken (who used to be in Southgang, remember? "Tainted Angel"? Anyone?).

There are more hooks on this record than in a tackle box and the production is top notch throughout. Hardly a dud in the bunch, but my favs include "End of the Girl", "Stop Calling Me", "Brand New Me," and what I gather is a song for his daughter, "Everything I Have To Give".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Stereo Fallout on MySpace. Official Site.