Squeeze's Trixies Album: A Journey Back to Teenage Dreams
In a bold move, Squeeze has unveiled their 16th studio album, Trixies, marking their first new release in nearly a decade. This project is rooted in material written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook when they were just teenagers back in 1974. The album serves as both a nostalgic throwback and a fresh offering for fans, blending a musical concept with the raw energy of youthful creativity.
The Story Behind the Music
During interviews promoting Trixies, Difford and Tilbrook have been transparent about its origins. After the lukewarm reception to their 2017 album, The Knowledge, Tilbrook was told that "nobody is interested in a Squeeze record. What matters is Squeeze's story." This remark stuck with him, inspiring the creation of Trixies, which not only tells a story within its tracks but also carries a compelling backstory. The songs were originally penned in 1974 but remained unrecorded because the duo lacked the musical proficiency to fully realize them at the time.
Now, decades later, these teenage dreams have been brought to life, offering something for both new listeners and long-time enthusiasts who crave the band's earlier sound. The album artwork, reminiscent of classic designs, adds to its retro appeal.
Musical Influences and Style
Trixies is a concept album centered around a fictional nightclub, and its sound heavily reflects the era of its creation. Listeners can distinctly hear the influence of 1974 in tracks like The Place We Call Mars, which borrows not just a planetary theme from David Bowie but also mimics his vocal intonations and features a squealing guitar solo reminiscent of Mick Ronson. Another standout, Hell on Earth, incorporates staccato keyboards that echo the style of Sparks, a nod to Difford's early use of an RMI piano similar to Ron Mael's.
The album also hints at other inspirations, such as the hard-rock tango of Why Don't You, which may owe a debt to the Sensational Alex Harvey Band's 1973 version of Next. Overall, Trixies sounds like a full-blown musical, with descriptive lyrics and archetypal song structures—from brassy stompers to wistful ballads—that evoke images of stage performances and dramatic storytelling.
Lyrical Content and Critique
Described as Runyonesque, the lyrics on Trixies showcase the precocious talent of a teenager, albeit one writing about experiences beyond his years. While the intricate internal rhymes are impressive, the content often relies on clever arrangements of clichés rather than deep emotional resonance. This callow approach results in songs that are diverting but lack the dramatic hooks needed for a standalone album to truly shine.
Despite this, there are moments where the essence of Squeeze's future sound peeks through, offering glimpses of what the band would become. These bits are fun and highlight a good idea, but they may not be enough to replace classics like East Side Story in fans' collections.
Final Verdict
Trixies is an endearing project that successfully revives teenage dreams, but it ultimately feels incomplete. As a musical concept, it entertains with its nostalgic flair and historical significance, yet it falls short in delivering the depth and catchiness expected from a mature Squeeze album. For those interested in the band's story and early influences, it's a worthwhile listen, but it may not become a staple in their discography.
