THE TREWS

HOPE & RUIN

Released April 2011

‘Misery Loves Company’ that opens the new Trews album is a great pop alt-rock standard that reminds you of all that was the best of 90s rock that in itself gazed back on more bygone days where songs were written from the heart rather than pitched at a particular market or demographic.

The word authentic comes to mind when listening to this album, and maybe organic too. It’s a whirl of rootsy Rock and Roll with the emphasis firmly on making good music rather than attempting to make a mark on the target market (whoever they may be). It was great to catch up with Colin recently and find what a great taste in music he has and whilst you can appreciate his influences and hear their echoes here The Trews do have a sound all of their own.

‘One By One’ has touches of (North) Americana shot through with a pop sensibility that elevates it to something a little more. It’s a good start to a solid album by a band at the peak of their powers.

One of the best tracks here is the rockier ‘People of the Deer’ that nudges the volume control higher and sets off Colin’s great vocals with some great guitar.

The rest of the album’s not too bad either: there’s some beautiful Indie rock on the very fine ‘Stay With Me’ a great song reminiscent of bands such as Powderfinger?

Title track ‘Hope and Ruin’ should edge them into the spotlight if it catches (damn this band should be there already to be truthful). And if you want more mellow then piano led “If You Want To Start Again” should tick all the boxes as it builds beautifully again with wonderful guitar driving it along.

Hats off to the Trews. You have to work bloody hard I’ll bet to sound this fresh and free…  

Reviewed by Mark Diggins