Between surf-rock guitars and punky vocals, Tourist Trap’s latest album, Going Postal, feels like it belongs on a dark, grungy stage.
TOURIST TRAP JAMS OUT AT SOUL MONSTERS’ FAREWELL SHOW AT VICTORY’S LIVE ON AUG. 25, 2017. (PHOTO BY DAN MITCHELL OF MITCHELL MULTIMEDIA)
The album title originated as a slang phrase, typically used when someone becomes vehemently angry or out of control. Even in its slowest moments, the energy and enthusiasm behind the album’s six alt-rock tracks easily matches the implications of its name.
Going Postal is nothing short of electric; edgy guitars and a tight rhythm section aid in maintaining a cool, unbothered tone without losing any of the music’s power. It has a gritty alternative rock sound with just a hint of blues and punk influence.
It is both cleaner and bolder than the band’s only other song on Spotify: “Hide & Seek,” which was released in 2016 and came before a lineup shift that seems to have bolstered the band’s confidence. Now, it seems as if Going Postal has carved out a corner for Tourist Trap, and that space allows the band to thrive and come to life.
At times, the album is fast and reckless. “Detour” is breathless and begs for a crowd to mosh along to punky vocals and imperfect-but-passionate guitar. On the other hand, Tourist Trap meanders through fuzzy guitar licks and clean rhythms at a nonchalant pace. “Say” has a smooth, rolling cadence that feels like it could be sultry if the candy-colored guitar tones could step aside.
Lead guitarist Nathan Weirich rips through gravelly, powerful solos in nearly every track. He effortlessly cuts through intricately layered rock instrumentals, adding a rugged second wind whenever the energy of a song might begin to suffer.
Going Postal closes with its title track, a groovy and smooth song that is punctuated by bright guitar riffs and rumbling bass. Lead vocalist Roberto Bryer croons, “I don’t have a plan/I’m just doing the best I can,” a line that is representative of the wandering melodies and soul-searching lyrics on other tracks.
Tourist Trap will open for Hail The Sun at Big Room Bar on Tuesday, April 24. The doors to the all-ages show open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $13. More information can be found on the show’s Facebook page here.
Abby Jeffers 