Taurus Trakker

Album review

Building Ten

added: 31 May 2012 // release date: 28 May 2012 // label: Gemlike Records
reviewer: Claudia A

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Taurus Trakker�s new album Building Ten fuses awe-inspiring blues punk-rock with organic dynamics. If straight from the guts music is your thing, then look no further!

Fronted by Martin Muscatt (who�s a younger cousin of The Clash� Mick Jones) and Allison Phillips, the energetic twosome trumped up ten new songs that pay homage to the roots of rock n roll rock without ever sounding oh so yesteryear.

With the help of former X-Ray Spex member David Wright on �21 Miles To The Water Pump�, and a guest appearance by Mick Jones on the title track, some kudos is certainly added but not actually needed, as Muscatt and Phillips are able to stand their own ground.

Opener �Lucky� is a musical hardcore take on the Notting Hill Carnival, while on the aforementioned �21 Miles To The Water Pump� David�s jazzy tenor sax almost dominates, while solid guitar riffs give the track a 70�s Mott The Hoople feel. Great!

�Bag For Life� blends some choppy White Stripes-style rhythm with Beastie Boys-style hollering. Uncompromising and reckless in sound, this is Muscatt at his fiercest best.

My fave track on the album is �West London Rock N Roll� (Taurus Trakker love to sing about their local stomping ground West London!). Muscatt�s guitar work here is particularly excellent, with a touch of very cool Stones vibe, while Krysten Cumming�s backing vocals and Jason Emberton�s piano play add the finishing touch.

There�s certainly a Clash influence on �Building Ten� and not just because Mr. Jones himself throws in a guest appearance, this one�s a total stomper.
�Gamblin Blues� pretty much hints at how the track sounds� Yep, it�s wonderfully sly bluesy and Hendrix style rock bluesy all at once and for that credit must go to Peter McDonald�s contribution on slide guitar.

Finally, �Push And Pull� has a melodious pop sensibility to it that gradually cranks it up on the riff work, while �Temporary� strives on Phillips� skilled drumming and Muscatt�s witty lyrics about a visit to a tattoo parlour.

There�s no way you can sit still while listing to this album and really, don�t even attempt it. Just go with the punk beat and the groove, and let Taurus Trakker do the rest!

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