By Deuce
The Kiss That Took A Trip covers a substantial amount of ground on its latest release, Garlands—which is definitely saying something, especially because the Extended Player only encompasses six cuts. However, in that relatively brief span this solo effort from singer, songwriter, and musician M.D. Trello manages to go in a number of different directions, almost none of which are similar to those of the tracks preceding these songs.
Still, the motif of this brief collection of tunes is Trello’s work on the guitar and drums. Although the former is often more prominent than the latter, his live drumming is especially palatable on many of the tunes and, more often than not, seemingly leads them into the various aural regions they traverse.
Consider “Whoever Hurt You Has My Sympathy”, for example. The drums force the pace on this number and tend to spontaneously shift trajectory on a couple of occasions—which is a huge contrast to many programmed efforts in which a single drum pattern pervades an entire number. The verve of the drums are also the most distinguishing aspect of “Comedian Rum”, which is perhaps the most accessible of the numbers with its straight ahead approach to conventional rock or, more appropriately, heavy metal.
This latter number emphasizes the guitar playing for which Trello has become known after releasing multiple projects over numerous years. Riotous yet controlled, it’s accentuated by a reverberating bass line that, with the drums setting the pace, reigns uncontested before eventually receding to the tune of what sounds like a synthesized alto saxophone.
Trello’s vocal style is understated yet spooky, particularly on “Copernicus”. He seemingly takes his time while remaining composed, almost as though singing beneath this track and most of the others accompanying it. Some moments he seems to digress into chanting; on “Rum” the most conspicuous vocals are a smattering of ‘da da das’ that appear almost two minutes into the work.
The artist is even able to slip in a ballad with “3 Year Flu”, which is largely characterized by Trello’s ever present electric guitar and the loudest singing on the EP. The drums are noticeably absent on the majority of this one, which helps create a slower, more poignant effect the musician was surely attempting to produce. “Flu” emphasizes the diversity of Garlands as a whole, illustrating Trello’s talent in an array of musical applications.
