The label 'Hard Rock' is really problematic. One can say that it's the form used by acts as DEEP PURPLE, KISS and SCORPIONS during the 70s, others can say that AC/DC and MOTÖRHEAD are partners in crime for such genre, and others (the list is far greater than a review can support). So one can choose the definition wanted and stay with it. The best thing to do: to have an ample idea of the genre's elements, and deal with it. So it's not hard to understand why the Seattle based quartet TRIP THE WIRE is a Hard Rock band, as heard on their first album, "Trip the Wire". The band shows tons of weight and a heavier approach on the genre, including using a kind of 'plug 'n' play' way to sound (what means organic), and some could say that they're in a melodic traditional Heavy Metal way.

On the other hand, the quartet uses sets of melodies that are hard to resist, choruses that are easy to learn (and extremely hard to unlearn, if the reader pay attention), core features that usual to Hard Rock, along with some parts that are accessible to a broader public (as "Hurricane" can depict clearly, even with such abrasive appeal). The best to do is to listen and enjoy, because this album really is a kick in the ass, full of energy and a young attitude. "Trip the Wire" was recorded and mixed by Sean Walker (at Uberbeatz Studios, at Lynnwood), and was mastered by the hands of Maor Appelbaum. The sonority shows an appeal that belongs to the 80s (but always in a way that's not 'out of date'), keeping things in a handmade way, but that allows the hearers to understand what's being expressed clearly. It's really a very good result.

The songs of the album depicts a band that has the two feet on the past due its influences, but with the head in the present (for they do things in their own way), and with eyes open in the direction of the future. And songs as "Anti-Love" (a fine combo of distortion, aggressiveness and melodies, with excellent guitar riffs and organic leads), "Hurricane" (what lovely bass guitar and drums lines, in a heavy and hooking song with 80s elements creating hooks impossible to resist, and what lovely chorus), "Zombie Child" (this one is truly a Hard 'n' Roll song influenced by AC/DC, and it's crude and truly catchy), "Shine On" (on its deeper and melancholic parts, the vocals shows versatility, evading 'one-way-singing'), "The Fire" (another song full of melodic hooks, but with contrasts between tender melodic moments and heavier parts), "Outta My Hands" (an introspective and accessible moment of the album, with very good Moogs and clean guitar parts), and "Never Enough" are speaking for the album.

Try it, and enjoy what's being offered on "Trip the Wire". And be welcome, TRIP THE WIRE!