Trampled Under Foot: Badlands Review
There’s always something special about sibling groups. Maybe it’s the fact that the related band members share much of their background with each other, resulting in the musical elements brought to the band coming from a similar place. Or maybe it’s simply that there’s a heart-warming element to seeing brothers and sisters playing music together. Either way, know that all three members of Trampled Under Foot share the same musical influences, the same drive for success, and the same parents.
Trampled Under Foot’s major label debut, Badlands, has a particular unity to it. The album will leave you feeling as though you’re going somewhere, and at thirteen tracks it takes its time. The trio have an organic sound perhaps a little too lush for an album called Badlands. Electric pianos and guitars quiver in and out atop heavy, driving drum work. Vocal duty is split between Danielle and Nick Schnebelen, each bringing a different element to the music that goes beyond the difference between a male and female vocalist. Nick’s voice has a soulful, rock and roll quality to it, whereas Danielle’s a strong earnestness. The unabashed southern elements that comprise the instrumentation adhere well to Trampled Under Foot’s strong melodies, and Badlands avoids getting caught in the trap of monotony.
Trampled Under Foot shines best in their edgier, riff-based songs, such as “I Didn’t Try.” An element of quirkiness is added here as well, as the occasional bar is cut off halfway to make room for the next. Nick’s steel guitar makes an appearance on “Down to the River,” which also has one of the catchiest hooks on the album. There are some spectacular moments of brooding moodiness as well, such as the record’s title track. Danielle’s writing has also gotten far more ambitious than the typical blues lyricism previous Trampled Under Foot releases have been comprised, of, even questioning traditional gender roles in “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”
Trampled Under Foot have had some years to hone their craft, and it’s beginning to show. Wrong Side of the Blues put them on the map, and now that Badlands has begun to enthrall listeners, it’s no doubt why Trampled Under Foot are being hailed as one of the more significant artists of the blues. Badlands shows signs of ambition while still remaining catchy and accessible, and still staying true to blues.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Bad Bad Feeling
– Badlands
– I Didn’t Try
– Down to the River
– It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World
The Big Hit
-Bad Bad Feeling
Review by Richard MacDougall
Several months ago, I went to a benefit show with Kenny Wayne Sheppherd, Keb Mo,Robert Randolph, Brad Whitford and a few others. I was hanging around backstage playing with Kebs son before the show started. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw this smoking hot lady with a killer vibe and was wondering what her story was. I sat there for a few minutes and was trying to work up the nerve to go say hello and try to make magic happen. But she was gone, nowhere to be seen.
Imagine my delight when I walk into the Diamond Ballroom to watch the show, and there she is! Up on stage! Singing her ASS OFF! I was reminded of the bass player from the talking heads the way she strutted around the stage. Oh dear, I thought to myself. Well let me tell you my friends, Trampled Under Foot completely stole the show, and that’s saying something considering the lineup.
In 20 years, when I think back on this show, I wont think about Kenny Wayne Shepherd or even Robert Randolph (although seeing Keb Mo playing electric with KWS was memorable). I will think about how that was the first time I saw Trampled Under Foot. And, it wont be the last.
(And I never got the nerve to make my move!!)