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Trixter – New Audio Machine

Label: Frontiers
Format: CD download
Released: 2012
Reviewed By: Rich Catino
Rating: 8.5/ 10


I use to go see Trixter playing the local New Jersey club scene (and at Studio 1 guitarist Steve Brown gave me the single for ‘Line Of Fire’) in the 80s before their debut was released in 1990. Then it was great to see them open for Kiss and the Scorpions in arenas. The follow up, “Hear”, unfortunately released when grunge rock became the trend in America and did not do so well (I don’t even think the video for ‘Rocking Horse’ got any airplay on MTV). By the mid 90s and after an E.p. of cover songs Trixter called it quits.

 

Before reforming in 2008 for a few shows (one was Rocklahoma), over the years I saw Steve and bassist PJ in a couple other projects, one was original, think one was a cover band, and it was terrible, conforming to the music scene of today in America, trendy, poppy, emo rock. I was very disappointed. With that, after many years of not making music as a band, and their current look (short hair, catering more to the younger generation) you can understand going into listening to “New audio Machine” I had my doubts. Thankfully, I was proven wrong.

“New Audio Machine” is Trixter picking up where they left off on “Hear” while adding in a little bit of a modern rock/Nickelback feel (‘Tattoos & Misery’, ‘Get On It’) to a couple songs without tarnishing their name. ‘Drag Me Down’ kicks off the album with Steve Brown delivering a southern flavored riff and leads backed by PJ’s low end bass, Mark hitting the drums hard, and Pete Loran putting some Jersey attitude in those vocals. ‘Dirty Love’ (that has a similar swing to ‘Line Of Fire’), and ‘Machine’ rock with more great Van Halen/Night Ranger/Warrant style guitars, upbeat rhythms, and those backing vocal harmonies behind the chorus Trixter are known for. ‘Live For The Day’, and ‘The Coolest Thing’ (this is pure cheese) which could be on any TV show teenagers watch today, are the only two ballads amongst nine hard rockers. ‘Ride’ is one of my favorites, heavy riff driven rock like ‘Bad Girl’ and ‘Damn Good’, ‘Physical Attraction’ also has a great attitude (maybe like ‘What It Takes’ from “Hear”), and ‘Save Your Soul’ (with a contemporary riff) all maintain their signature style.

A nice return, guys.

 
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