Trixter: Human Era

Unfortunately for Trixter, their stunning self titled 1990 debut hit at a time when the landscape of the music world was undergoing a great change. Grunge and bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were taking over, effectively killing the melodic hard rock of the 80’s. Thankfully, the melodic sound of the 80’s has had a rebirth, with labels like Frontiers Records keeping it alive and well in 2015 and Trixter’s new album for the label Human Era finds the band “Giving it to you good” all over again. In fact, had Human Era been released in 1985, it would have changed the band’s place in history forever and their name would be regarded with the same high esteem as heavy hitters like Motley Crue, Ratt and Twisted Sister. The album is brilliantly bookended by what may very well be two of the best songs the band has ever done, opener “Rockin’ To The Edge Of The Night,” which is the first single and video from the album and closer “Human Era,” which is the second and there is not an ounce of filler to be found in between. Inside, “Crash That Party” chugs along like a runaway freight train, while tracks like “Not Like All The Rest” and “All Night Long” flash back to the glory days of the 80’s, when bands like Bon Jovi, Poison, Van Halen and Def Leppard ruled the airwaves & MTV. Elsewhere, “For You” is the bastard son of “Addicted To That Rush” by Mr. Big, while the alluring hooks and soaring choruses of “Every Second Counts” and “Soul Of A Loving Man” continue to push the boundaries of expectation. Here’s the bottom line. From songs like “Beats Me Up” and “Midnight In Your Eyes,” that could have been on any of the classic Bon Jovi albums to the massive production and huge anthemic chorus of “Good Times Now,” which is reminiscent of Mutt Lange’s work with Def Leppard circa 1987, there is something for everyone to love on Human Era. 9 out of 10. Eric Hunker