Originally
published in Skyscraper
If you’re familiar with Chicago-based band
TRS-80, you already know their new album Shake Hands With Danger
won’t be the bleak binary blipfest their name might suggest.
No, the temperature’s warmer here. For example, TRS-80 peddle
some bass that really grinds—“Don’t Mess With
Illinois” has a particularly filthy bassline. Live drums
loosen things up a little too, helping the Chicago band sound
more organic than some of the electro bands they’re likely
to get lumped with, such as Fischerspooner. “Phantom Power”
even begins with the ominous sampled stabs of a church organ before
they evolve into a full-fledged organ concerto, accompanied by
the incongruous sound of machine drums. The sinuous “Translocated”
follows and sways like no other sonic concoction you’ll
hear this year. Then the album’s first single “Motoki”
opens with a wicked snatch of heavy metal guitar that’s
soon accompanied by live drums and then beats more electronic.
Gleefully experimental, TRS-80 channel DJ Shadow one moment, Aphex
Twin the next, and, er, AC-DC the next. Nonetheless, the trio
manage to fold their ingredients into a rich, dark and appetizing
mélange. Cunningly sprinkled with humor throughout.
Official
site
Robert Stribley
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