THE TROUBLE MAKERS
The Great Lost Trouble Makers Album (Slovenly)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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From the first riff (preceded by the obligatory count of 1, 2, 3, 4) the Trouble Makers are fast, furious and heavy on the surf rock. They show a little Man or Astro Man? panache without the Sci-Fi influence.

Their album The Lost Trouble Makers Album, although entertaining, is nothing really original or remotely groundbreaking. It's not that "You Make a Better Door" and "Please Don't Touch Me There" aren't fun or electrifying songs, but this album has that "Insert Band Name Here" feeling. It is as though the same album plan is enacted by dozens of Surf Rock hipster rock bands, under different brand names every day.

The band sounds terrific, and the instruments are layered perfectly. It seems perfectly engineered for load guitar and drowned out, muffled vocals. Recording kudos goes to Chris "Karate Party" Woodhouse and producer Al Sobrante who have made a rare recording for fans of skinny tie wearing, Camaro driving stylists.

[Pick this up at www.tonevendor.com.]

© 2003 - Erick Mertz