Victims of the Avantgarde by The Kiss That Took A Trip, aka M.D. Trello, is a fascinating exploration of sound and emotion. The album, born from trauma and frustrations, transcends its origins to deliver a diverse 90s alternative experience.
The album, entirely recorded and self-produced in a home studio, reflects Trello’s meticulous craftsmanship and broad musical influences, which include Talk Talk, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Mogwai, and Nine Inch Nails, among others. Layers of electronics, guitars, and Trello’s own deep vocals create a soundscape that’s both atmospheric and engaging.
“(God Bless Our) Holy Highways” opens Victims of the Avantgarde with an eerie, shimmering soundscape, grounded by rhythmic drums and Trello’s enigmatic vocals. “Skull and Crossbones,” the standout single, takes a dlmore uplifting approach with its building guitar riffs as Trello’s vocals soar like a siren, and the track’s emo, catchy vibe builds emotional resonance.
Tracks like “The Dailies” surprise with their retro radio glitch intro with Mid Atlantic TV voice and hauntingly beautiful piano melody. Trello’s voice soothingly trails with a melancholic beauty, while the hopeful coda reintroduces electronic elements. “Irma Vep” injects a dose of upbeat energy with its pulsating groove and soaring vocals, and surprising us with the thought-provoking question: “what’s stronger than death?”
“Whoop Whoop! Pull Up!” closes the album with a theatrical, orchestral and nuanced ambience which leads to a pitch-dark silence in the bridge followed by a spoken word outro, creating a hauntingly beautiful finale.
Listen to the cohesive and creative Victims of the Avantgarde by Let The Kiss That Took A Trip on Spotify.
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Photo Credit: Pablo Sanz
Review by Naomi Joan