Admittedly, I haven’t been listening to a lot of harder edged music these days. I don’t know if it’s old-age kicking in or what, but it just hasn’t been my thing. However, I have been listening to Trip Device for the last couple of days and when you’re in the mood for the crunchy guitars and the screaming (but not irritating) vocals, than Trip Device are exactly what you should be listening to.
Trip Device are a San Francisco alternative rock band who specialize in aggressive catchy hooks as well as an extremely well produced sound, thanks to multi-platinum producer Sylvia Massy Shivy, who’s produced artists such as Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, System Of A Down and Love & Rockets. Their new CD, “Inside I Feel” is meant to be cranked, or even better, listened to in headphones. There is so much going on in each song, that it does bear several repeat listens to pick up on the many layers contained in every composition. For example, the song “Victim” clocks in at only 3:37, but I didn’t think it was possible to squeeze in that much atmosphere into a single track that doesn’t run into prog-like lengths. The tempo changes constantly, the vocals run the gamut from psychotic whisper to maniacal scream within seconds. My problem with most alternative rock these days is that it doesn’t take long to “get it.” Usually a minute or two into a song, and I know exactly where it’s going to go and even which rhyming words are going to be used. That’s what I like about Trip Device. You’ve got to be paying attention to get the full benefit of their music.
Trip Device are Bryan Wright: Lead Vocals, guitar, programming; Steve Ratcliff: Bass, backing vocals; Steve Slater: Drums, nerve center.
You can listen to the music of Trip Device on their myspace page.
You can purchase “Inside I Feel” here.
Watch the video for the title track.
Labels: alternative rock, indie, inside i feel, loud, san francisco, trip device
