Bad Reputation [Release date 02.04.21]
Bringing new meaning to the saying “Les Trente Glorieuses”, unmistakeably French rock band, Trente, treat us to a reductive fusion of pop and rock, with Aveugle & Sourd (blind and deaf).
Stating the obvious perhaps, but when bands record in their native language, they limit their wider opportunities for recognition and success. Trente compound that handicap by swapping and switching musical styles as we move from one track to the next.
At its roots though, this is pop and rock constructed on clean, simple lines. No leaning on FX or relying on stylistic tropes, which is probably why ‘Libre Comme L’Air’ and ‘Une Toise Et Du Temps’ are so immediately attractive. Both start out acoustic then crank up into electric action, belting out some big, booming chords, giving the tracks an unconventional rock swagger.
‘Aveugle & Sourd’, the track, and ‘Disparu Des Radars’ are probably the closest to what we know as Anglo-American hard rock, with torqued up guitars squeezing out squealing axework behind the shouty vocals. Choosing to go down that route loses the band some of the exotic, storytelling identity created by the compelling ‘Mon Odyssee’ and the “Chanson Francais” feel of ‘Autant’.
On the album’s second half, the jangling cowboy rock of ‘Combien De Ponts’ and ‘Tattoo Burger’s tuneful powerpop confirm the band’s credentials as fully paid up members of the here and now. This is Trente showing us they can replicate the rock and pop norms that surround them, without resorting to counterfeit creations.
Danny (Tyketto) Vaughn gets everywhere. We’ve just heard him on the Flesh & Blood reissue and now he’s contributed a bonus track version of ‘Libre Comme L’Air’ to this album. And he sings en francais, and it’s superb. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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 3 November 2024.
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 show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)