By Nell Alk
In the week following New Years, people, it would appear, fall into one of two camps; either they collapse from exhaustion brought on by the seemingly endless holiday season, or they plow through the ringing in and jump start the next 365 days with fervor and determination. Admittedly, these silos are a bit black and white, but you understand my meaning.
In any case, often the two opposing outcomes post-toast coalesce: the hungover and recovering shell of a man or woman gradually works up momentum during the days after popping bubbly, convincing themselves the resolution they made while under the influence wasn’t a hollow hope, but a reasonable challenge to be conquered in the months ahead. I suppose most people belong to this category; neither complete degenerates nor instantaneously industrious. In any case, this brings me to Trouble, the badass embodiment of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
No more than a week after January 1, self-proclaimed “crunkrock [electro] pop” mastermind Trevor Andrew and his squad of talented Trouble boys (Trouble Andrew) made magic happen at Mercury Lounge. They joined the lineup last minute and opened – opened – for two other openers and a headliner. Having recently signed with Virgin, no doubt these guys will soon occupy main attraction status (it’s about time!), but their humble and affable attitude certainly made a positive impression. That they rallied together to put on a sick show at 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday is commendable and indicative of their indestructible drive. Not to mention their motto (from my experience with them) to go with the flow, give it all they’ve got and have a fuckin’ blast the entire time!
Their impromptu performance was off tap! Fans and friends alike flooded the venue. Currently coveted by the media, they secured 30-list spots (20 more than the standard ten) for press and additional notables. The show was sold out. This comes with a caveat: they alone didn’t crowd the house (duh!), but their energy suggests that they might as well have. From opening lines to last song, the foursome rekindled love with longtime listeners and claimed the hearts of new ones.
Trevor, donning his signature jean jacket and sunglasses (this time red-rimmed), utilized what space he had to dance his ass off. He frequently balanced himself on two tables positioned in front of the stage and, as a professional snowboarder (he’s an Olympics veteran), it came as no surprise that he never once stumbled, even when they wobbled beneath his feet.
Early on in their act, Trevor trotted towards the audience; before folks felt 100-percent comfortable occupying the front two rows, if you will, he dragged his mic behind him, joining us at ground level, so to speak. After spending a short time engaging his spectators, he hopped back up on stage and shouted with a smile, “I came to you, now you come to me!” That’s all the encouragement we needed and we edged closer, nodding our heads and tapping our feet to the irresistible beat – almost too much audible bliss to be believed for a “school night” during a sleepy week! What a way to kick off the weekend.
During their short set they played several favorites, as well as a few new tunes. Trouble began with the classic “Bang Bang,” a fast-paced, suggestive track featuring fiancé Santogold. “Uh Oh” Trouble dedicated to “the ladies.” They killed it. The catchy “Chase Money” seemed particularly on point given current economic circumstances. The hook, “you chase money for love,” is irresistibly addictive and prompts singing along. In addition to these three, they performed “No Good,” and “Either Way,” two others also off their debut self-titled album Trouble Andrew. Look forward to “Adorable,” “Flaunts It” and “Condition,” some numbers not previously recorded for consumption.
An ambitious amount of songs for an opening act, their set nevertheless came to an end far too fast. With their easy to swallow sound, entertaining stage presence and accessible lyrics, it would be peculiar not to crave more.
Together with Trevor’s clever vocals (which I bet you can’t help but belt, or, at the very least, lip sync) the quartet’s collective enthusiasm moved the room and left everyone within earshot eager for the next Trouble takeover. Joao Salomao manned the synth and rocked out on guitar, ripping riffs left and right, while bassist Masaru Takaku sang backup as needed. Drummer (and list management extraordinaire) Ian Longwell banged his heart out. It was an early bird special with all the elements of a late night knockout concert.
Until next time, if my exclusive interview posted last month wasn’t enough to pique your interest in Trouble, check ’em out on MySpace stat. And, get amped for their “Remixed + Remastered” disc due to drop next month. A brand spankin’ new full-length is expected come summer. If we’d had more of a heads up, we’d have provided the 4-1-1 on this shotgun show, but alas we didn’t; as it is we nearly missed it!
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