With the TriSonics recently touring the UK, I thought I would take the opportunity to review their latest CD. The TriSonics are a band with a very different attitude to the music and although essentially as rockin' as the next band, provide in their set and style a very versatile and unique sound. I am unable to explain exactly what makes this band different in style and sound because I am lacking the musical knowledge that many of you have. I just know what I like. I'm not adverse to bands doing covers of modern popular songs although I do feel that there has to be a crossover limit. Thankfully, the four covers on this album are well within those limits. Each track on this album gives you a different side to the band and it's creator Derek Singleton (vocals, guitar and songwriter) a man of many not so obvious dimensions (deep huh?) but from the conversations with the very polite American, who would have guessed that he could be so brave with his lyrics. So for those of you not interested in my psychological babble, here is what I thought of Rock'n'Roll Remedy by the TriSonics…

The first of 8 tracks penned by Mr. Singleton is a modern rockin' crossover/modern country bopper titled "I My Be Wrong (but it don't seem right)", interesting vocal harmonies and a temptation to some foottappin' and yeehawing, a bright, catchy lyric and melody. Track 2 is a cover of Springsteen's "I'm On Fire", absolutely brilliant big rockabilly edge to a great track originally recorded with a rockabilly beat but played down by the record label. Great to have it back in this awesome style, covered by many rockin' acts and accepted as good rockin' in any country. So track 3 takes you back a bit because now you think you think you've got yourself a modern rockabilly band and then a great jiver comes along, showing such versatility that now you're confused. Rock'n'Roll Remedy, the title track should be filling those dance floors very soon. Track four "Mystery Lady" is as a mystery lady should be and wraps you round its haunting melodies and leaves you panting at the end, but only if you dance to it. Track 5, possibly not the greatest of real rockin' but a nice old cherry for the dance floor - "Dance the Night Away" - a very capable cover that does what it says on the label. Track 6 is a very bluesy, down and dirty stroller - really good; you gals are going to love "This Bird Will Fly". "Move It on Over" track 7 is not my most favourite on the album but it's a good track and shows yet more versatility. Track 8 "Move on Out", I love this. It's pure beefy, boppin' braun. Track 9 is lots of fun "Gotta Go Lil' Doggy" fantastic harmonica on this track, great lyrics a real sing-along if I ever heard one. Track 11 "This Bird Will Fly part 2"…Another different side to this band. A fabulous take two jiver. Not sure which one I prefer. Will leave it up to you. Track 12, grab-your-ever-loving's-butt-time as this ballad entitled "Lullaby" makes you pucker up literally, no lyrics, just whistling, ingenious. Finally track 13, "Slippin' and Slidin'", harmonica again, loving it! Not my favourite of the covers but it's a damn good one and the harmonica sets it off just brilliantly.

All 13 tracks played superbly by Derek Singleton, Ralf Nickolaus on drums and Barbara Streidl on Double Bass with guest appearances from Martin Lickleder and Bella Howls. So that would be it then. The TriSonics went down a storm on their short tour of the UK. They hope to be back in the spring so if you see them about then give them a go. For booking information and to check out the band, go to www.trisonics.de or buy the album from www.raucousrecords.com.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
They've not been around for long, but Derek Singleton (guitar, vocals, songwriter), Ralf Nickolaus (drums) and last but not least Barbara Streidl (doghouse bass!!!) have conquered a place in the European rockabilly world with their debut album "Rock'n'Roll Remedy". Fine rockabilly from Germany with a hearty shot of country twang consisting of mainly self penned songs that stand out from covers the likes of "Dance The Night Away" (Mavericks) and Hank Williams "Move it on Over".

As far as commercial success is concerned, perhaps the most promising songs are rockers such as the opening number "I May Be Wrong", "Move On Out" (with the famous Dave Edmunds cry "Well…") "Gotta Go Lil' Doggy " (including a harmonica piece) and the title track "Rock'n'Roll Remedy". These make The TriSonics far more special than any cover band. But there is a nice rockabilly version of Springsteen's "I'm on Fire", and a blues harp infused version of Buddy Holly's "Slippin and Slidin".

Also included are a surf style track called "Lullaby" (with some great whistling), "Mystery Lady" (superb drums & bass), a bit of honky tonk with "This Bird Will Fly" (reminiscent of The Domino Kings / The Morells / Two barrel Or Stalk), and a swinging gypsy guitar/violin sound on "Gypsy Eyes" that confirms their class.

Neo-Rockabilly & Rock'n'Roll... "Either be hot or cold. If you are lukewarm, the Lord will spew you forth from his mouth". Excellent Band and ditto for the disc.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
This is the first long player by the TriSonics, a rockin' trio (guitar, double bass and drums) from Munich, Germany, known to many for highly acclaimed previous
releases (EP and Single). A fine band with sterling musicians, and notably, a hard slappin' lady on bass, Barbara Streidl. They are musical all-rounders with their own natural, swinging style of playing. Here are 13 songs, originals and covers. The originals aren't bad, but I can just picture Bruce Springsteen's' smile of satisfaction after listening to their rockabilly version of "I'm on Fire". I'm sure "Move It On Over " (Hank Williams) and Slippin' and Slidin' (best known for Buddy Holly's rendition) go down very well live, but I must admit, it's their own material that shows how good they are. The TriSonics stand for good swinging countrybilly and straight boppin' rockabilly with just a touch of the blues.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Based in Germany, the TriSonics are a cool straightforward Rockabilly band. Their music is heavily influenced by the many old-time rockabilly / rock 'n' roll acts, but bear the mark of the thriving rockabilly scene of the eighties. Expect no psychobilly or other related genres when it comes to the Trisonics, but be sure to encounter new boundaries in Rockabilly. In other words expect only good old rockin' music.

This 13-track album released on raucous records is full of Red Hot Music, with a majority of self-penned tunes and 4 covers. All self-penned tunes are done by guitarist Derek Singleton, who plays his Gretch guitar with a twang, defining the music somewhere in the middle between Rockabilly & Country. Both Barabara Streidl (Upright Bass) & Dim Sclichter (drums) complete this outstanding German trio.
Rock 'n' Roll Remedy, is the third effort of the TriSonics on raucous and contains of course their current single "Mystery Lady" a tune that holds a Mexican-Spanish feeling, mixed with dessert dry elements from the country scene. A Must for the real music lover, seeking out something else. This Margarita feeling is only prolonged in the next song. "Dance the night away" an old Mavericks tune. This one is of course not as neatly done as the original but it surly hits the lazy sunny holiday feeling that came with the original. "I just wanna dance the night away, With senoritas who can sway, Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright, Just like the sunny mornin' light. From here on it's back to classic Rock 'n' Roll territory with "This bird will fly" (part 1), "Move it on Over" (A Hank Williams tune" )& "Move on Out". Many fine moments follow including Gypsy Eyes (a hillbilly, western swing kind of song) and "Lullaby" a way to good instrumental to forget mentioning it.

All this and much more is the reason why you should grab that disc now. Check out the bands pages & order the album right now, you won't regret it for a minute.
                            Read more...