Thread: NEW REVIEW!

Trip – 2005 demo
Running Time – 7:31
(Self Released)

1. Hourglass Disfigure
2. Roman Remains

I think I made this point the last time, but Trip are an odd prospect. Their last demo (reviewed on SD too) was different, but maybe not too positive. There were moments of promise, but on the whole there was an odd edge that left the listener bemused and not all together enamoured with their sound. I’m happy to say then, that with this new two-track sampler, Trip have tipped the balance the other way, and should embrace a larger spectrum of listeners. Every now and then, Trip revert back to what once was, but this in a bridge to a brighter future sonically.

‘Hourglass Disfigure’ would if included, have been the best track on the 2004 demo we got sent. It starts with a ticking, and has a memorable riff, and indeed the guitar playing on this song has stepped up a gear. The now probably have earned their self professed title of ‘progressive’ despite short songs, due to the more complex and diverse musicianship on offer here. Hearing ‘Hourglass Disfigure’ though, I would still forgive people for maybe not taking to Trip: it will appeal and grip some new listeners I’m sure, but it’s still not a siren call in the large swamp that is the UK’s music/metal scene.

‘Roman Remains’ on the other hand is. It’s got a really weird atmosphere to it. Again the guitar playing is utmost here. The vocals from Marcus are strong whilst sounding ‘strained’ and create a pathos running through the spine of the song. There are also some odd long notes over the top which reminds me of Dax Riggs crooning in Deadboy and the Elephantmen. The drums and bass create an effect which made me realize for the first time why bands like Secondsmile might not sound too odd next to each other on a bill. They share not much else but this constantly changing movement, which effects the entire feel of the song – real movement behind the piece, rather than a stagnant rock song.

So Trip have improved on previous efforts here a lot. If they can create songs as impressive and memorable as ‘Roman Remains’ a few more times for say an EP/album then some labels going to come knocking eventually. All they really need to do now is to get 5/6 songs down on disc instead of two.

sweet