Trident Waters - Opus Armada
Album review by; DeeDee
The debut album from this London based three piece has been out a few days now and judging by the turnout for the launch party and initial feedback, it’s something to be savoured. I’ve watched Trident Waters a few times live, standing in awe with everyone else and being blown by how well they capture the audience’s attention and like many of the band’s followers, I’ve been longing for an album as ‘Opus Armada’ was delayed for over a year due to the pestilence. Legends Kevin Shirley and George Donoghue were on board to record, mix and produce the tracks, down at the Brighton Electric Studios, the album was mastered by Peter Maher (Rolling Stones, U2).
Ten original tracks and the first is ‘Change The Future’ . It's easy to work out the meaning of the title, as we are all more conscious of how our planet is being decimated these days. Based around a big strong riff and Andrew Knightley’s sharp and moody vocals, it’s an opener that makes you sit up and take note from the onset. Some intricate guitar picking is added to give sustenance before it quietly descends at the end. Uptempo, heavy drums by way of Greg Zaka and having a magnificent riff, ‘Control The Animal’ is a resplendent number, glowing in fact. It takes you on a rollercoaster at full speed, impossible to control that creature. ‘Good Time Roller’ is a drinking song , about having a good time and reflects the way we have emerged after 18 months of solitude, to take life by the horns again. A sturdy Bluesy/Rock track that just runs without any effort. The ballad ‘Wings Of Love’ was written by Andrew for his lady, as he explains in the recent set of posts on social media. (The band took turns to talk about each song in more detail, which was an excellent idea and led up to the launch date). ‘A bit Gary Moore’ he states, with those massive chords and yes there is that air about it, a beaut of a song. I don’t usually get too technical, having only a layman's knowledge of musical instruments, but it’s worth mentioning the use of the ‘Pog’ pedal, that allows sound to extend like a 12 string guitar, it widens the octaves and creates a bigger sound. We hear this on a few tracks but more so on ‘Major League’ with its Jimmy Page sized chords and rather accordingly, the song is about upping your game and getting on further in the world.
‘Pack You Up’ is a pumping and heady Blues infused piece of work, about having enough and moving on. It’s been in the making for a few years now and has finally been laid down. Piles of rhythm that supports a generous hook and with powerful and articulate uttering from Andrew, it’s one of the highlights of the album. ‘Wrecking Ball’ is also a mood swinging and heavy Bluesy track, but with more of a jazz feel in the melody. Again there are awesome screaming guitar licks that reach until the final moments. We head on a more peaceful path during ’Seven Weeks’ an acoustic introduction that then merges with a more direct feel. It remains intimate and only rises during the last minute or so, with some reinforced energy. Telling the tale of human life ‘Six Feet Under’ has a monster of a bass riff and is Wilson Zaidan’s time to shine. There’s something about that low and grinding pitch that just reaches your inner most emotions. The last song ‘Vengeful Vulture’ is a happy and joyous one, upbeat and fast rolling, it has all the elements for a barn stormer and is a perfect way to go out.
The heavy Blues outfit have come up with a winner, there’s interesting material and it is balanced throughout. They never stray far from their unique fusion of rock and blues, but have managed to bring a worthy contender to the table, for one of the albums of the year. Having played it a few times now, I can’t wait to see them live again! Check out the social pages below for more info.
4/5
SOCIALS;
Trident Waters are;
Andrew Knightley (Guitar and Vocals)
Wilson Zaidan (Bass)
Greg Zaka (Drums)
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