I recently had the pleasure to work with a young local group going by the name of TR8R, I was fortunate enough to see them at Aylesbury’s 2009 Hobble on the cobbles where they put on a fast paced, refreshing, and truly inspirational set.
There were two things I immediately noticed with TR8R, the first was that despite their youth, they were performing with a level of polish and professionalism far beyond their years. And secondly, they weren’t just trying to be like every other band, it was refreshing to see they were being themselves! They are a truly unique band both audibly and visually and their original lyrics are superb.
The more I listened to them, the more comparisons I drew, there was a touch of Blondie, Sleeper (for those of us who remember them!) and Leanne Rhymes in Vicky’s powerful, yet hauntingly delicate vocals. Mikey and George on guitar and bass respectively, were lively and energetic reminding me of a young Red Hot Chilli Peppers or the great Dean Menta of Faith No More and of course Sparks fame. They were both jumping around using more of the stage than any other band on the day, but it didn’t feel forced or contrived, this wasn’t showboating for the crowd, this was two guys genuinely being swept away in the power of the music. And as for thier drummer Conor, rarely have I met any musician with as much obvious talent and individual style, that some artists three times his age have yet to develop. Over all, they were the act of the day for me…
That is why I jumped at the chance to work with TR8R and their manager Gary Bull, of KMD Studios, on the promotional shoot for their new E.P. “Numbers”. The song, penned by the band, is quietly beautiful yet has a beat that will get even the most die-hard wallflowers up and dancing. With amazing music, stunning vocals and lyrics that belie the age of the band, with material of this calibre they certainly deserve to make it in this business.
The day of the shoot was a blast, hearing them play the song, seeing them on and off stage and getting to know the guys better. Photographing bands is a passion and it’s a real treat when you get to work with guys who so clearly share the passion for what they do. You can see all the pictures from the day in the ambient gallery.
All I can say overall is if you get a chance to see these guys, grab it! It’s something you wont regret, its so refreshing to see a band who are themselves, not just trying to carbon copy a band they like, but using their own ideas, experiences, emotions and above all talent to develop themselves into a truly stunning band…
Watch this space for future collaborations between TR8R and myself, or you can check them out in more detail here.