Troyen
Finish what you started
1981 – 2015
Vulcan Records
Released 2015
Reviewed by: Pagan Hel
Troyen – Newton Le Willows
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Troyen
Tracks 1-4 Engineered by Elliot Sam Caro Scullion, Tom Williams and Andy Ashton.
Produced by Greg Hay-Moulder and Troyen
Tracks 5-8 Engineered by Gil Norton and Produced by Gil Norton & Troyen 1981 and digitally enhanced at Elusive Studios 2014
Track 9 Produced by Troyen 1982 and digitally enhanced at Elusive Studios 2014
Sound Tech – Andy Forber
Genre: Rock
Masters of Rock – Troyen
Backlash
Feisty and furious the rhythms start pumping and immediately the body reacts accordingly. The essences of the track are nostalgic from one of the best eras in rock the – 1980’s. The busy tempos and tenacious rhythms flow with ease, and coupled with gritty vocal edge, provides a creative recipe for addictive grooving and soul by the bucket load.
Finish what you started
The bands title track is heaped with a recognizable swagger that boldly shapes it into an even more recognizable pattern. The bass is pro-active with its tremendous hooks and flirtatious rhythms, supporting the senses with a slower paced tempo that allows the listener to savor the moment nicely.
Syrian Lady
Is a real rebel rouser, with spiced riffs that contain an addictive energy with a melodic trace running through it in high pitched vibrancy and vocally strong. The song ebbs and flows in a mesmerizing fashion and very creative with powerful chords that show very flexible finger control.
First Blood
Again has memorable bass hooks and tumultuous riffs that simply compel and engage, with a rugged rhythm that captures a superb charm all its own. There is a slightly familiar Led Zep groove attached to this one, however it is one track that lingers with a flaming intervention and very busy right to the end of its muscular veins.
Dreams never lie
Packed full of soulful skill and prowess that forcibly captures the moment with ease. The tempos suddenly break free and go on a mad rampage. The emotive force behind the riffs are eager to attack and attack they do. The unpredictability of the track make it interesting and memorable.
Futures Friend
This one is a lot heavier than the previous tracks with pulsating and resonate riffs that vibrate to freakish levels. It fiercely stomps into the limelight and sweeps you from your feet in the process.
Don’t send me to war
The message sent here is pretty clear although said through very heavy chords and tortuous rhythms that twist and turn in such a way they simply confront the listener. The track seers and soars with deliberate incitement.
Crazy Lady
And what a crazy track it is as well. The sweeping riffs highly antagonize and the groove gnaws consistently with foot tapping intervention. This is one busy track that is compelling and forthright and unarguably memorable.
Free Wheelin’
As the track suggests by its title it simply free wheels with a chugging powerful energy and explores its hippy side with an atmospheric lure. The band literally jump on the back of a superb melodically ambient rhythm that they themselves have created and exploited all avenues of its creation.
Summary:
The tracks on this album were all created to bring a thoroughly engaging experience to the listener, no doubt in my mind what so ever! The busy tracks are jam packed with a twisting energy and beautiful soulful rhythms that speak for themselves.
It is very hard to imagine that the band ever left the scene as these tracks are timeless and are still just as pleasurable today to experience as they were back in the 80’s.
In places the tempos are slow and deliberate and in others the band go completely off the scale and provide a heavy backdrop of chugging rhythms that engage all senses.
For me Troyen are without a doubt a ‘live’ experience to behold, as the album doesn’t do it the justice it deserves.
The intricate riffs and highly charged melodies are rife with emotion and hold a very creative examination of constantly gripping enticement, but they don’t have to try too hard to gain maximum impact and back to “Finish what they started!”
10/10
Tracks:
Backlash
Finish what you started
Syrian Lady
First Blood
Dreams never lie
Futures Friend
Don’t send me to war
Crazy Lady
Free Wheelin’
Members:
Karl Altdorfer – Bass
Jeff Baddley – Drums/Backing Vocals
Steve McGuire – Guitar/Vocals
Nick Mannion – Guitar