Vintage Trouble: 1 Hopeful Rd. Review
The TroubleMakers of the world sure are excited. Earlier this month, Vintage Trouble released their second album 1 Hopeful Rd., a 12-track collection that embodies the soulful amalgamation of rock and r&b that the four-piece has become known for since banding in Los Angeles in 2010. Vintage Trouble have been busy touring around the world and even taking a few turns supporting The Who since their debut The Bomb Shelter Sessions dropped four years ago. On their second full-length, Vintage Trouble continue pursuing the high energy recording style that served them well the first time around.
Though singer Ty Taylor is most visible during live shows (his energetic performances frequently draw comparisons to James Brown), the band members carry equal weight on 1 Hopeful Rd. Guitarist Nalle Colt is the first heard on the album, enticing listeners with a few slow chords that hasten as “Run Like the River” gains speed. During “Doin’ What You Were Doin’,” bassist Rick Barrio Dill holds a steady hand while Taylor croons along. 1 Hopeful Rd. has a healthy percentage of ballads, but drummer Richard Danielson finds ways to spice up the slow songs, as he demonstrates during his introductory drum roll in “Shows What You Know.”
“Soul Serenity,” the final song on the record, provides a flashback to the band’s debut. “Nancy Lee” was an early fan favorite from The Bomb Shelter Sessions, and certain vocal qualities in “Soul Serenity” (such as the title repeating throughout the song and Taylor’s voice elevating around the syllables) bridge the gap between the two releases. 1 Hopeful Rd. is a natural continuation of what Vintage Trouble started with The Bomb Shelter Sessions: the lyrics are well constructed (no easy clichés for these guys), the riffs are fresh, and the sound is both new and old. Vintage Trouble bring to life the trials that affected those who listened to the original soul masters and that still affect young listeners today, and while their sound is similarly reminiscent of an earlier time, it has an energetic quality that makes it relatable, regardless of the date or the listener’s age.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Run Like the River
– From My Arms
– Strike Your Light
– Soul Serenity
The Big Hit
– Run Like the River
Review by Meghan Roos
Buy the album: Amazon
