There are not many artists who can boast of support slots alongside The Rolling Stones and The Who, and it is even more impressive to discover Los Angeles based Vintage Trouble achieved this as an unsigned artist. Now signed to Blue Note Records, Vintage Trouble first came to my attention when I caught them supporting Paloma Faith at Glasgow’s Hydro back in March.
On the night, singer Ty Taylor looked like a star from the moment he breezed onto the stage. Reminiscent of James Brown with their fresh sound and somewhat modern twist on music from a bygone era, Ty completely captivated the crowd with his vocal and energetic delivery. Fast forward to the AC/DC Rock Or Bust tour at Hampden in June and again Vintage Trouble are the support act. Now given the bunch of old school rockers in the crowd, I was more than intrigued to hear how Vintage Trouble would be received by the rowdy crowd. Again Ty and his band impressed and by the time he back-surfed on the crowd from the stage to the back of the pitch he has the crowd eating from the palm of his hand.
The killer question arises, with such a dynamic live sound how can this be transposed onto an album? Enter Grammy award winning producer Don Was (also of ’80s Was Not Was fame). From the minute the 12 track album opens with foot stomper ‘Run Like The River’ Ty – accompanied with his band mates Nalle Colt (guitar), Rick Barrio Dill (bass) and Richard Danielson (drums) – commands the ear of the listener. Instantly the live sound and energy I remember is present and as Ty sings about his mamma declaring “Tyrone go be the king your meant to be” I am left wondering if Ty is indeed a born star in the making.
‘From My Arms’ follows with the soulful number, reminding me of Lenny Kravitz. This is music to melt hearts and perfect for that slow dance with that someone special. ‘Doin’ What You Were Doin’’ has a smooth groove to it while standout track ‘Angel City, California’ is an upbeat rocky number demanding a shaking of your tail-feather. ‘Shows What You Know’ eradicates any doubt about the diverse appeal of Vintage Trouble and as Ty’s vocal floats through the airwaves it reminds me of the great man Otis.
As an album, 1 Hopeful Rd. continues with a well constructed blend of soulful ballads and rockier booty shakers. ‘Another Man’s Words’ is a highlight while ‘Strike A Light’ featuring Kamilah Marshall gets the blood pumping as the band rock-out! ‘Another Baby’ is another highlight stimulating pelvic thrusts on the dancefloor before ‘Soul Serenity’ closes out the highly impressive offering. Evidently Vintage Trouble can appeal to a wide demographic live and in 1 Hopeful Rd. have an album that will appeal to the masses.
1 Hopeful Rd. is released on 14th August via McGhee Entertainment Inc.
Bazza Mills
@bazzamills
Latest posts by Bazza Mills (see all)
- LISTEN: Refuge Island – ‘Above Board’ - May 9, 2018
- GALLERY: The View @ Caird Hall, Dundee, 01.12.17 - December 4, 2017
- LISTEN: Tijuana Bibles give away new single ‘Catacomb’ ahead of St Luke’s gig - December 1, 2017
