tricktheriddle is an aptly-named band from New York, New York who apparently wishes to remain a tricky riddle to the outside world. Aside from their chosen genres (alternative, punk and rock) and a band photo, there seems to be not a speck of info about these guys anywhere on the internet. However, they’ve just released three new Spotify singles which we’re reviewing today: “peptalks,” “Vomit” and “When It Pours It Drenches.”
The first song “peptalks” is credited to Luke Vichnis and has a classic quiet-loud alternative structure. It starts with a spidery electric guitar line that sounds like it was purposely distressed in the digital realm, like an old cassette about to give up the ghost. The first surprise is the vocals: though sort of half-spoken, they’re nicely melodic and pretty much continue unabated throughout the entire song. Filling out the track are slices of power-chord fuzz guitars, bass and single notes on some kind of synth. The lyrics are both cautionary and a cry for help: “The world gets big and it’s hard to notice / When something’s out of focus / Keep screaming until they notice / But they never notice!” “Vomit” and the next track are both credited to the band and come from a four-song EP titled Untitled II. It has some truly creepy artwork showing a monk puking up an otherworldly snake. Like “peptalks” it starts with digital distortion (could this be a band trademark?) then roars into “Smells Like Teen Spirit” territory. Though the riffs and arrangement feel familiar, they’re performed with confidence and are impossible to ignore. Again the lead singer has seemingly pages of lyrics that never let up, and the guitar is allowed a short and simple solo. I love how the track builds to a climax as more vocals and guitars are thrown onto the pile. “When It Pours, It Drenches” is also from Untitled II. Of the three tracks, this may be the most hardcore, with the verses totally drenched in fuzz guitars. The beat is more deliberate with wailing, ghostly lead vocals that are nonetheless perfectly balanced atop the backing. In fact that’s something these guys do really well, as I was expecting a total noise-fest from start to finish. Whoever is producing knows exactly how to keep all the band’s elements separate yet still working in lockstep. This track also features some eerie, eastern-sounding guitar effects peeking out from the far corners. Wish I knew more about these guys but their music speaks volumes! Most excellent alternative punk rock!
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