When The Trash Boat Comes In…
… it is indeed fully laden with a most precious cargo; music. Never once thinking my being would be greatly improved, I ventured into the unknown. Hailing from deepest, darkest St. Albans (Enter Shikari territory), it is no surprise that these lads have a no nonsense, shake you to the core mentality, that is evident from the freight train opener “Inside Out”. It smacks you around the face with such force that you will see out the back of your head, sunshine.
“What makes you think there aren’t hardships when you grow up?”
A theme that weaves through every song on this record and unashamedly questions every aspect of our lives.
“Nothing lasts forever” shouts Tobi, you’ve heard that before you say? This time damn well sit up and take notice. The melodies are incredible on this record, reminiscent of Inme and FFAF and punctuated with a decidedly violent vocal tone that threatens and entertains in equal amounts. Tobi’s voice accentuates the pace and vigour of the beautiful music that transcends seamlessly throughout. They have managed to say what they want eloquently; the harmonies support and enhance the messages.
In “Nothing New” you have the softer verse, then the harsher, more edge of your seat bridge and chorus, that does not need to reel you in, as you will hand yourself over of your own volition.
The chugging opening riff of “Controlled Burn”, reminds me of Dead Kennedys, but does not use this as a crutch; it can hold its own quite adequately, thank you very much. There is a power, a relentless kick to the guts, when track after track you are pulverised; there are no brakes.
Even the delicate, tender touch of the title track “Crown Shyness”, for me this is the stand out song. I also believe this will be the stand out song at their gigs.
In the words of The Smiths “Shyness is Nice”.
Once again, it’s the lyrics that are contemporary and absorbing, qualifying this song as a relevant and relatable piece of work. “Do you even know what depression looks like?” is a line that is brutal, chilling, clever and sensitive. It sums up the troubled times we are living in, mental health is on the increase and no one knows what to do about it.
Are you still with me? Good.
“Silence” is anything but, the lads are still hammering away regardless. They will make you listen.
Another fabulous lyric “Heaven never entered my belief” which embellishes and enhances the closing song “Love, Hate, React, Relate”, I really have no words now.
Much to my shame/ignorance, this is the first time I’ve heard a full record by Trash Boat, I will be going back to listen and learn more about them.
I find the tunes still thumping around my system, hours after I’ve stopped listening to them. Let’s fly the flag for British rock across the world, we are worthy, we are incessant, we are here to stay.
Inherit the crown? I think they just did.
Trash Boat – Crown Shyness, out now on Hopeless Records.