Album Notes

From Southest Portland’s “Felony Flats” comes the eight song recording of Trophies. The four-piece shakes out with gritty, greasy jean jacket rock repleat with crunchy chords and a range of guitarship that approaches near noodling proportions before remitting to slow and swanky hip swivels. But in the drop of a hat, a new sound jumps up. Bordering on emo at times without ever jumping headlong, there’s even moments out the gate of Oingo Boingo-like pop zaniness. Track 2 has a feel of And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead as “Sea life is not the life for me” is chanted.

Recorded by the talented Kevin Nettlingham, the album presents distinct textures otherwise flushed out in an assault of live shredding. The great thing about Yay!!! is the earnest approach. Rock is at the forefront and trying to be something it ain’t never seems to be an option for these lads. Trophies are one of those bands who are creating their world and not giving a damn if you like it or not. Finally a Portland band happy about the rich music scene here. How refreshing.