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| Album cover |
Surprise, everyone—I'm back! Did you miss me? Probably not. At any rate, here I am, back again after a long six months, writing reviews that no one will see. But that's OK, because I like writing them!
For the few of you that have been loyal and do read my reviews, then you know that one of my favorites to talk about is Thrillkiller, from Baltimore. Their music is such a breath of fresh air in a scene that oftentimes paints itself into a corner or pigeonholes itself once they latch on to a particular sound.
Finding a particular sound is something Thrillkiller has done, and done well. Taking sounds from ’80s pop and funk, mixing it in with the high energy of guitar-based classic rock, and putting 21st century swagger on top, Thrillkiller's multi-faceted sound harkens back to the days when MTV ruled the world; yet never sounding dated or gimmicky, which is no easy feat for any band specializing in throwback sounds.
It is a fine line between paying homage and becoming a novelty act, but Thrillkiller does this balancing act so effortlessly, it feels as if they jumped into the time-traveling DeLorean, brought back everything good from the ’80s, and gave it a revved-up modern gloss. The proof of this starts from the get-go with the opening track, “Theme of Rex Razor”, a short instrumental piece centered around those vibrant, futuristic-sounding synths, coupled with that bluesy guitar sound that is smoldering yet smooth at the same time.
The second song is one that readers may already be familiar with, as it was the first single from San Francisco Moto, released nearly a year ago, and a song I reviewed here: “The King of 1984”, a tune I cannot say enough about because it so perfectly encompasses all of the descriptions I have given this far of the band's music. It's a catchy pop-inspired earworm that can give some of the best ’80s jams a run for their money, while also a hard-rockin’, fist-pumping rock anthem that makes you want to bust out your lighters and raise them high into the air.
It is a fine line between paying homage and becoming a novelty act, but Thrillkiller does this balancing act so effortlessly, it feels as if they jumped into the time-traveling DeLorean, brought back everything good from the ’80s, and gave it a revved-up modern gloss. The proof of this starts from the get-go with the opening track, “Theme of Rex Razor”, a short instrumental piece centered around those vibrant, futuristic-sounding synths, coupled with that bluesy guitar sound that is smoldering yet smooth at the same time.
The second song is one that readers may already be familiar with, as it was the first single from San Francisco Moto, released nearly a year ago, and a song I reviewed here: “The King of 1984”, a tune I cannot say enough about because it so perfectly encompasses all of the descriptions I have given this far of the band's music. It's a catchy pop-inspired earworm that can give some of the best ’80s jams a run for their money, while also a hard-rockin’, fist-pumping rock anthem that makes you want to bust out your lighters and raise them high into the air.
The second single and EP title track continues more on a similar theme with the funky bass, soulful guitars, and fiery vocals; but “San Francisco Moto” takes a different turn by adding some sultry sax and a danceable beat. If I had to describe it, to me it is as if the 1980s versions of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie got together to create the perfect rock song that you can groove to at the same time. It's got that same jazzy disco vibe, while giving us those poppy melodies that “burn rubber” in your brain long after the song has finished.
For all their funk/dance/pop influences, Thrillkiller is still a hard rock/heavy metal band at heart, and they make sure you don't forget it. “Last Horizon”, the EP's penultimate track, is Thrillkiller's heavier side at its finest, with that menacing interplay between Maxim's guitars and Rob's vocals, which always makes me feel like I am listening to the soundtrack to a spy movie or an action thriller.
The EP closer, “Wicked Rhythm”, is a blend of both sides of Thrillkiller: the rock side with the R&B side, and it is catchy as hell. It sounds like a cross between their songs “Passion Killer”, and “In Too Deep” (a song I proclaimed to love so much that I said I would marry it if I could!). Again, I am reminded of a movie scene: this time, it would be during one of those scenes where the main character is strutting down the street after taking down some bad guys, or trying to impress a girl. This hybrid of the band's different influences makes for a perfect way to close out this EP.
What I love about Thrillkiller is that their music is so much fun! It is music you can clap along with and stomp your feet to, and maybe even dance, if you are able. It's got sing-along verses and choruses, and hooks that stick in your head. Thrillkiller has taken everything memorable that we still love about the ’80s, scrapped everything that we now consider cheesy and over-the-top, and crafted their own unique take on those classic sounds with their own modern style. San Francisco Moto is only a 5-song EP, but it is chock-full of different sounds ranging from rock to synthpop to dance. The band has had somewhat of a revolving door of drummers throughout their short time together as a band, but the core foundation of Rob and Maxim, joined with Sebastian, is still solid and has not lost any footing throughout those changes. Quite the contrary, in fact: Thrillkiller keeps getting better and stronger as they move forward, paying tribute at the toll road of the past as they burn rubber on the fast track into a bright future.
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| Band photo |
Visit the band's official website.
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Special thanks to Rob Bradley.
All photos provided courtesy of Thrillkiller.
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