Tommy Trull - Nobody Else in the World

Tommy Trull

Nobody Else in the World
self-released; 2022

​3.8 out of 5

By Dom Eagle

Nobody Else In The World is Tommy Trull’s latest album, and it’s certainly a unique voyage through a myriad of genres. Synth pop, garage rock, ballads and an abundance of other musical styles influence this collection of eclectic tracks.

This ten-track release opens with the funky “Citizen Freak.” Driven by a punchy electronic beat and Tommy’s deep, emotive voice, this is a captivating opener. There are some super meaty bass guitar rhythms, and some of electric guitar passages possess a hint of middle-eastern influence. I thoroughly enjoyed the keyboard solo at the end; it felt reminiscent of The Doors.

“Should Have Been There” takes a very different approach to the introductory song. The synth influence drops away, and Trull instead adopts a country and folk style on this pleasant, mellow second track. I particularly enjoyed the flanger-heavy lead guitar hook, and the harmonized vocals were certainly a lovely surprise. Trull truly flexed his vocal range on this song.

The third song, “The Last 3 Days” takes another unexpected turn, though I’d come to expect the unexpected at this point in the album. Trull tries out garage rock on this track. Heavily distorted power chord choruses are matched with gentler verses, driven by clean twangy electric guitar. I was fond of Trull’s vocal effects on this track; the megaphone aesthetic suited the garage rock aesthetic.

“Don’t Get Up” is a straightforward ballad. A calming chord progression on a clean electric guitar is married with a distant synth sound effect, giving the track depth. A very pretty melody that neatly follows “The Last 3 Days.” Then, afraid of delving too heavily into melancholy, Trull returns to upbeat funkiness on “Liquor Store.” Funky bass, electric guitar riffs and keyboard solos return on this super groovy mid-album banger.

I thought I had Trull’s style and musical range pinned down at this point in the album, but “Bury Them” demonstrates this artist’s ability to always tread new ground. This upbeat synth pop tune leans more heavily into electronic stylings than any of Trull’s previous songs, and it also features some beautiful falsetto; I didn’t realize his voice was so versatile! The track also perfectly transitions into “One of These Days,” a heartbreaking piano-driven ballad with one of the most moving melodies on the album.

And, of course, Trull bounces back to funky synth-rock on “Ghost Train Coming.” The plodding electronic beat and bluesy guitar honored the title of the track; I did feel as if I were on a train, chugging merrily along. And it glides effortlessly into the next tune. “Nobody Else in the World” is a gentle little melody, driven by piano and some catch electric guitar melodies. I really felt that Trull’s singing was more passionate on this chorus than at any point in the album. Truly powerful.

​“The Great Black Wall” is a lovely acoustic guitar ballad to close the album. “Nothing on the tip of my tongue / But the songs we’ve sung / With guitars unstrung” felt like such a fitting line. This whole song feels like Trull’s goodbye to the listener. It’s his way of thanking people for taking the time to visit the marvelous musical world he has created. A lovely song to end a lovely album.

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