80’s T.S.O.L. are back with a new album, ‘Trigger Complex’. The punks still have it at their mid-50’s, and this album is a welcomed throwback to everything from 60’s grooves to 90’s post-punk.
The album begins with ‘Give Me More’, which was a cracking start, and I did want more. At 2:17, this song reminded me of when I first heard ‘Fell In Love With a Girl’ by The White Stripes. I was immediately hooked and wanted to replay the song about 50 times, which is exactly what I did. The vocals are very English, very Sex Pistols, and very growly, and lyrically, it’s very 90’s. It’s fast and carefree rock, and also be the soundtrack to a 90’s coming of age film.
The next track ‘Sometimes’ uses older guitar styles and techniques heavily, juxtaposed with simple and effective drums. The next few songs are the same sort of styles, but with different stronger elements of slightly different styles. Track 3 ‘Strange World’ having more of an older indie rock feel, and track 4 having a stronger 60’s influence. Generally, songs are bass and drums heavy, which there isn’t particularly much of right now.
[youtube v=jmRQtaptBBk]‘Why Can’t We Do it Again’ is a definite highlight. It’s very Rolling Stones, a little dirty, and the backing vocals are reminiscent of The Beatles. Their love songs with backing vocals work really well in this album: especially ‘Don’t You Want Me’. It’s a smooth and sleazy ballad of sorts, and the first time a piano features on the album – and it’s bliss.
The album closes with ‘Bats’, a 2:50 instrumental, compiling everything great about the album. It’s a peaceful close and leaves you wanting more from the band. It would be the perfect song to end that 90’s coming of age film to, and was the perfect song to close the album with.