After loving their self-titled and Manic Frustration albums I have been hoping for the best for Trouble for a while.

If you didnt know, Trouble is a vastly underrated and influentual band that is still making quality music after all these years. Gone is vocalist Eric Wagner to his other band The Skull, (with former Trouble bassist Ron Holzer and drummer Jeff Olson).

Handling current vocals is Kyle Thomas, who I really like with Alabama Thunderpussy on their 'Open Fire!' album. (go get it.) Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin are still handling guitars (yes!) and Mark Lira handles drums.

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Anyway--after being really excited to hear the new stuff I have to say after listening to it over the past two weeks (as loud as I my stereo goes!) that ...its not on par with the two albums I mentioned earlier.

*HOWEVER* I believe thats only due to the production. It sounds like they would benefit form another Rick Ruben-esque hand helping them hone these songs a bit more and helping with the mix. The riffs are there, the vocals are there (Yes, its not Eric, but it doesnt have to be) its just...not quite finished, it seems. This album is very close to being great, just not quite there.

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Overall, still happy to plunk down some $$ and hope they tour on this baby and make a follow up that kicks me in the face afterwards!

Would love to see them on the road with Orange Goblin or even Kadavar.