EP & Demo Reviews: Review of The Trick - Three track demo (Kiss and Tell, Dirty Tricks, Trash)

by Michael Freeman

So rock is cool again. Hurrah! (I could do without the trucker caps though) At least it means good music is getting decent exposure, and if there's any justice, someone will glance over towards these guys and gals, because from the sounds of them, I think it's safe to assume they've all got their Motorhead t-shirts from a tour rather than Topshop.

Even though this CD seems to have been recorded live (how else are they going to explain away the horrible, horrible feedback on the first track?), it's a strong, well-balanced mix, and there are few (if any) mistakes. Although, when you're playing good old-fashioned, bluesy, ballsy, rock and roll, the occasional dropped note doesn't really matter. It just adds to the whiskey soaked charm. The whiskey could also explain the memory loss - Repeating every line twice is OK when you do it in one song, but in two songs it becomes a bit grating, and suggests a lack of inspiration.

Trash shows they do have some good ideas though. The start isn't very retro - more unorthodox, with the guitar randomly but gradually taking over from the bass drum. Once it gets going though, you'll just start banging your head to the rhythm and air guitaring to the third solo in as many tracks.

The trick, it seems, is perseverance. If they do, I reckon they'll go far.