The Trews’ first release since 2011’s widely successful Hope & Ruin is an accomplished, eclectic album.
It’s about transcending the kind of pain only an ex-lover can visit upon you. The Trews tell their story with aplomb and use their distinct band of indie pop rock to do it.
The first stop is a revisiting of Trews standard “Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me”, a sharpened incarnation infused with the vocals of Shannon Noll. MacDonald’s at times Barnsey-esque vocals are well utilised here and in “Oblivion”, an angsty and jangly song with a comforting 80s pub feel.
The fresh and summery “The Power of Positive Drinking” is a matey ode that culminates in an irresistible radio-friendly bridge. Across that bridge is the unexpected and romantic mirage of the MCG, courtesy of Paul Kelly cover “Leaps and Bounds”.
For their cathartic journey The Trews have chosen to appeal to the figurative heavens in the gently beautiful, genuine, and melodic “Lord, Keep Me in Mind”.
‘I have arrived’, proclaims MacDonald in the tribute “And We are The Trews”. Mere survival turns to joyous celebration at feeling whole, life as a band and a fun homage to a bushel of iconic Canadian bands. And to “every guy a band who’s named Gorie.”.
This is the kind of album that grows on you and once it does, it will be on replay in your mind all summer. It is out now and The Trews are currently touring Victoria and NSW.
