Number 8 (out of 20)

Calling All Monsters
The Traps That Work Best
Turn Records

From the opening riff of The Traps That Work Best, you know it's gonna be a fun ride. When frontman Matthew Troy voice then launches into a shout of “What we says is what we says!/What we needs is what we need!/Yeah, I'm the only one who knows…” on that opening, track, “We Are Special Forces”, when the chorus of crunchy, melodic guitar comes crashing in, it's near perfection. Troy, formerly of the ever-spectacular Track Star, has created, along with guitarist Bill Chartier, bassist John Nespeco and drummer Matt Yetka one of the best straight up rock ‘n' roll albums in recent memory. The “Station Agent,” with its bass lead and classic quiet/loud delivery, “ Western Style Town ,” with it's bouncy, spastic guitar work and the closer, “Sometimes I Wish You Weren't Dead,” are the standout tracks on this album of standout tracks. Play this album LOUD and jump around while listening.

Brian Brophy