Frontiers 2012

Trixter, now there’s a name from the past. Formed in the late ‘80’s and releasing two what we shall term as hair-metal classics with “Trixter” (1990) and “Hear!” (1992). Both of which did reasonably well in the States with the debut reaching No.28 on the Billboard Album Chart and selling over half a million copies and “Hear!” reaching No.109 with much reduced sales of around 100K (blame those pesky Seattle bands shall we…). As an aside I actually purchased “Hear!” for the princely sum of $1 from Charleston’s finest music shop, “Monster Music” earlier this year!!

Trixter petered out in the mid-nineties but re-formed with the original line-up still intact in 2008 to play some live dates including the institution that is known as “Rocklahoma”.

“New Audio Machine” features 11 all new tracks recorded by Pete Loran (vocals), Steve Brown (guitar), PJ Farley (bass) and Mark Scott (drums). None of the players have been inactive over the intervening years with Steve Brown being in 40ft Ringo amongst others and PJ Farley popping up in US modern-rock act Ra.

The new Trixter sound is a little heavier than the old Trixter sound and has some modern twists thrown into the mix but still features that late 80’s early 90’s sound of the Sunset Strip.

Opener “Drag Me down” starts off with a cool acoustic intro before mutating into a highly enjoyable blast from the past. “Get On It” continues the vibe and features a classic sing-a-long chorus. “Machine” is a powerful rocker that could have been an AC/DC number. “Dirty Love” and “Ride” bring to mind a mix of classic Motley Crue and Def Leppard. Things slow down a bit for the first of two ballads, “Live For The Day” and for me this is where the album starts to dip a little because “Physical Attraction” and “Tattoos and Misery” do not provide that spark needed before the second ballad hits. “The Coolest Thing” sounds like one of those boy band songs that Def Leppard recorded on X – with the right audience it could be huge but I’m remain unconvinced. “Save Your Soul” brings things back to life with one of those cheesy hair-metal choruses of “Rock’n’Roll will save your soul” and “Walk With a Stranger” brings things nicely to a close.

“New Audio Machine” is a well produced highly enjoyable melodic rock album from the guys. A big welcome back to Trixter.

***1/2

Phil Berisford

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 16 November 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This 600th show was first broadcast on 18 November 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.