Australia’s Big Red Fire Truck are back with a brand spanking new EP, Trouble in Paradise (out August 4th).
Opening with the instrumental “Neon Sunsets”, the track sets up the 80’s dreamesque landscape before ripping into the title track, “Trouble in Paradise”.
“Trouble in Paradise” takes one back to a time that was dripping in neon, leopard print and tight leather pants. It’s a high octane and fun track with lush 80’s filled harmonies and driving guitar riffs.
On the sound of Trouble in Paradise, guitar and vocalist, Digby says,
We’re making this music because there’s not enough of this style in the mainstream and I miss bands like Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith releasing new music. I miss having fun heavy rock music to listen to. We want to keep that alive while ripping off your car speakers.
On track three, “Love Bite” not to be confused with “Love Bites” by Def Leppard, the band says,
‘Love Bite’ is a personal reflection of my experiences in the music industry and its comparison to the highs and lows of a place like Vegas. It’s easy to get caught up in the glittering facade of success and become fixated on the idea of making it big. I read an article recently that helped me come to realise that the industry is in fact a lot like a casino – a few win big, a few even win small and those that don’t are kicked to the curb and left to fend for themselves. This song is a reminder to myself and others to enjoy the journey, no matter what the outcome may be.
For me, “Love Bite” is the epitome of sleaze rock or sleaze metal. It’s groovy, gritty, flamboyant, and fun.
The “Psychotropic Thunder” feels like a wonderful blend of bands like Bon Jovi circa 7800° Fahrenheit with a little bit of Judas Priest thrown in for good measure. The guitars absolutely soar and wail with slick chords and a thrashing beat.
Continuing the metal feel good madness, “Miami Skies” opens with an infectious guitar riff and vocal wail that would have easily fit right in amongst the 80’s screamers. The song has more of a modern sound like that of pop punk and pop metal than the others on Trouble in Paradise, but it flows perfectly from the previous track into the next.
Closing track, “Hot Summer Nights” is Big Red Fire Truck’s answer to “Nothin’ But a Good Time” by Poison. It’s fun, vibrant, and a summer feel good song. The chorus is anthemic and catchy, the guitars are air guitar worthy, and the drums are infectious and will have people air drumming on anything they can find.
There is no Trouble in Paradise for Big Red Fire Truck…with this EP, the boys show they are here for a good time that’s filled with 80’s nostalgia, slick chords, wailing vocals, and driving drums. Trouble in Paradise is a helluva good time.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Love Bite” “Psychotropic Thunder”, “Hot Summer Nights”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “Love Bite”, “Psychotropic Thunder”
