Trial Kennedy - LivingUndesigned

Mon 16th May, 2011 in Music Reviews

Trial Kennedy’s debut full length New Manic Art, contained some great singles that the radio station loved for a little while, but for some unknown reason, the album never propelled the band to the next level like it should have. After this, the group split from their management and record label plus had to replace a bass player. Add in the fact that vocalist Tim Morrison needed to have heart surgery and fell off a ladder which resulted in head staples, it’s a wonder that Living Undesigned even exists.

Opening track Sally features one of the most memorable chorus lines on the album, Morrison’s unique vocals are at full power, one of the band’s most defining characteristics, while Stacey Gray’s strong guitars are the driving force. The title track is one of the records most emotional and melodic moments before things take a dark turn on the energetic first single Best Of Tomorrow.

The indie rock flavours, that are ever present, stand out the most in the string laden, My Own, albeit as indie rock in Trial Kennedy’s view which still has plenty of balls. The record ends with one of Morrison’s finest vocal performances to date on Arrest Room and the body mover, Two Dogs, which is reminiscent of the band’s earlier sound. It is evident that there is something different about the band, no doubt due to the new member, which has not had noticeable effect effect on the music.

Trial Kennedy are a hard working band that produce some great rock songs, they are also fantastic live, and although Living Undesigned may take a few spins to warm up to, it is certainly worth the time.