Reviews

tr+tr

Rumble

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Review Date: 2008-07-14

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I receive a record and nothing…not a word escapes out of my mouth, or onto my page. What’s even more irritating and frustrating is when I actually like the record, and the cat’s still got my tongue. What gives? 

Honestly, I still don’t really have an answer. Is this speechlessness a good thing, or not at all? Is it going to bode well for the artists involved, or bring forth nothing but negative words from yours truly? Well, all I can say for sure is that the only negative think about Tr Plus Tr’s Rumble is the fact that it made me, unknowingly and without reason, speechless for far too long. 

It’s only happened to me on a few occasions, where it’s literally taken me weeks to review something. It has nothing to do with having a busy week and not being able to get to it, or not having the opportunity to listen to an album. It has all to do with something unexplainable, where there’s something about a specific piece of work that literally leaves me without words. I find it difficult to say my piece, or to express opinion…at least in a cohesive manner. And then it hit me: if I don’t write, I’m not a very happy person, thus I’ve semi-forced myself to sit, and well, write. 

I’m now ready to say a few words. (Side note: Trust me, I just sighed with relief.) 

Let’s start with my favourite track, which happens to be “High Waves”. This song makes me feel like I’ve traveled back in time; with its electronic and synth sounds, it could easily be busting out of the 80s, and not just from my laptop speakers. Oh right, that’s the entire album. 

Most of these songs could easily fit into the soundtrack of Pretty in Pink or any other movie gem from that era, so really, what’s not to love? And this is especially true of a girl who clearly is an 80s child all the way, who loves neon, leggings and mullets. Yes, that’s correct, I said mullets. 

What I truly enjoy about this album is that it’s a fun listen. Perhaps this is why I was so closed-lipped about it -- I was just having a great time listening to the music. Toronto-based S. Dehghani brings forth an album that flows beautifully from one song to the next, and that is presented in a fun and interesting way with its array of sounds, beats and lyrics. 

Although it’s not my newest favourite, Rumble is cool and interesting, and a fresh take on sounds reminiscent of the past. For me, it’s been quite the experience, from complete writer’s block to jiving to its quirkiness, to enjoying all that it has to offer, and finally with great relief, it has allowed me to say my piece and give it a thumbs up. Hurray.

Score: 7.9

- Aldona