Project Description

TROPHY EYES

‘THE AMERICAN DREAM’

(Album Review)

03/08/2018

Reviewer: Katelyn Murray

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Trophy Eyes, the 5-piece band from Newcastle have released their highly anticipated 3^rd album, The American Dream. This Australian band have become a well-known name within the punk rock scene over the past few years and have begun to slightly shift into other genres with The American Dream by emerging with confidence and a new sound. This record is the next step in expanding the Trophy Eyes sound that we all know and love, but still integrating previous sounds and influences.

Earlier this year, the track; You Can Count On Me, was released along with details of this new album. This change of sound didn’t come as a sudden shock to listeners, as they previously released Hurt in 2017 which showcased a shift in gears that Newcastle quintet has taken on their musical endeavor. The much softer tone and the absence of John Floreanis’ harsh vocals had fans divided, however, the release of The American Dream caters to current fans and is sure to bring in new ones.

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The bands’ third studio album bursts into life with ‘Autumn’, a fast-paced instrumental with clean vocals that showcase the talent of Floreani. This song starts the story of The American Dream by expressing the emotions brought on through self-discovery and lack of answers they have, a theme that highly resonates with listeners, I mean does anyone have the answers?

The second song of this album, Something Bigger Than This starts off with acoustic strumming and a choir-like chant before erupting into a fast-paced race of guitars and drums that gradually lead to up to the chorus. The chant that started the song is repeated in the chorus which contains reassuring words such as; “But it will all come together when the lights go out”, a lyric that I’m sure will make this song one of their standouts when performed live.

Friday Forever and More Like You were released prior to the drop of this new record, which was a smart move as these are two that bridge from their sophomore record, Chemical Miracle. The harsh vocals that fans have grown to love have reappeared along with the new sing-along choruses that has a heavy presence throughout the new record. The mix of both old and new sounds provides a perfect song for listeners who prefer heavier music along with lyrics that touch on the themes of self-hatred that is nothing new to those who have followed this band for some time.

The tone of the album completely changes with Cotton Candy Sky where a haunting piano and low vocals automatically put listeners into a somber state. The harsh contrast from the previous upbeat songs comes as a shock, the 1.52-minute song provides an intermission-like break before jumping right back into energetic rhythms with You Can Count On Me which was released prior and amplified the album hype.

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The story of The American Dream continues with its 7^th track, Broken which features a softer rock tone and lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. Floreani describes the feeling of being “scared of what’s inside” and hence why he “sleeps with the lights on at night”, a metaphorical term that can be interpreted in many ways, allowing listeners to relate to the song in their own way.

One of the most surprising songs on this album is Tip Toe, an acoustic ballad that showcases the growth that this band has undergone since their last album. The beautiful mix of strings and Floreanis soft vocal have brought to life the story of what seems to be a long-distance relationship and how life always gets in the way. This comforting song is one that highlights the talent of Trophy Eyes in a brand-new way and I look forward to hearing more of this in the future.

Lavender Bay is one of, if not the best song on this record. The automatic burst of energy this song emits creates an infectious and bouncy vibe with a statement just begging to be heard taking over the chorus. While listening, the lyrics; “I won’t sleep until Sydney knows my name” stands out immensely and it would be an injustice if it weren’t shouted by everyone when performed live. This ambition fuelled song is a stand-alone track that encompasses the determination Trophy Eyes have in creating their own success.

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One of the most surprising turns of events in this album is Miming in the Choir, which starts off slow before erupting in heavy hitting guitar riffs and a whopping choir-like chorus that seem to have become a staple on this new record.

Similar to Tip Toe, A Symphony of Crickets is seen as another soft break between the upbeat anthems, with a background of night-time cricket sounds overlaid with soft acoustics and raw vocals, although the shortest on the album, it has to be one of the most beautiful.

The album concludes with the biggest track, I Can Feel It Calling which perfectly compiles the mix of new sounds to create a song that rounds up The American Dream perfectly. The guitar that starts the song is sure to echo throughout your head as it gradually gets heavier with a bigger presence of drums. The lyrics also draw you in, the honest outpour of Floreanis strength and struggles; “This world’s got a funny way of being cruel to me / Still I raise my chin, fuckin’ eat it with a smile on my face”. The dramatic outro consisting of heavy drums before transitioning to strings really does create a finishing touch to this masterpiece of an album.

The American Dream is some of Trophy Eyes best work, they have really put their all into this album and grown musically to showcase a side of them that hasn’t been seen before. Every song on this record is begging to be played live, and I can’t wait to catch them on their upcoming tour.

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Album out now
THE AMERICAN DREAM

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Connect with TROPHY EYES

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