Review: The Trews “Hope and Ruin”

Rock
We should know who The Trews are. This Canadian band has released four albums in the last seven years. Two of them went gold. They’ve had two number one hits and ten Top-10 singles. They’ve played nearly 800 live shows, including support slots for the Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Guns N’ Roses, Nickelback and KISS.

Led by an exceptional voice that is nearly a dead ringer for Pat Monahan (Train) on his best day and backed by an organic, roots rock ensemble, The Trews is a refreshing blast of modern pop rock. Producing good hooks just seems to be in the very fabric of this band’s DNA and there’s no shortage of excellent songs to mine from the dozen on their latest, “Hope and Ruin”.

“Hope and Ruin” has all of the ingredients a music fan could ask for – compelling vocals, intelligent lyrics, crisp production, and superb melodies. You get the sense that the band labored for months over the craftsmanship in these tunes, yet it sounds like they are simply having a blast. Highlights include the energetic rocker “Misery Loves Company”, “The World I Know”, and the smoldering title track, but my favorite is “People of the Deer”. On the more contemplative ballad side, try “Stay With Me” or “If You Want To Start Again” on for size.

Rock and roll purists – especially you fans of early Train or Will Hoge - are gonna love The Trews. “Hope and Ruin” will be available April 12.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9

The Trews on MySpace. Official site.

The band is also offering a free download:
FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD of "One By One"