New mini-album from The Trudy

For over four decades, The Trudy has been an enduring presence in the London music scene. Formed in 1979 by former Cardiacs member Peter Tagg, The Trudy has undergone an evolution while maintaining a consistent mission of crafting energetic live performances and a compelling discography.

Following a hiatus in 1996, the band regrouped ten years later, breathing new life into their musical journey. Now a trio featuring Melissa Jo Heathcote, Del Tagg and Peter Tagg, The Trudy continues to dazzle audiences with their original sound. Since 2012, they’ve delighted fans with a series of well-received singles and two full-length records, The Adventures! The Suspense!! and Always Never Beautiful Forever both released in 2016.

The latest chapter in The Trudy’s story comes with the release of their new mini-album, Outside Time. This seven-track EP, including the lead single “Every Story Ever Told,” produced by the renowned Greg Walsh, showcases the band’s return to their long-form brilliance, delivering a record that distils their timeless rock aesthetic with progressive inflections.

Opened by intro piece “Dawn,” delicate instrumental tones ring out as the distant twang of electric guitar adds an intriguing touch across half a minute of instrumental music. “Where the Roses Grow” fully kicks off the record with sombre guitar plucks backing the melancholic female vocal leads, elegant and hushed they craft a moving soundscape that then erupts with the strike of drums and lightly gritty guitar tones. Serving up a timeless rock sound full of memorable hooks and a singalong chorus, it’s an epic example of The Trudy’s enduring sound.

Next up, “Dear Sancho” echoes the whimsical tones of the instrumental opening track, injecting tension build guitar notes and the gentle plod of bass. Creating a dreamy sound that pulls you in, the song then explodes with classic rock fervour as the crunch of electric guitar sees the vocals take flight to soar above the punch of drums, setting up an invigorating rock ride that ebbs and flows between the soft verses and lofty impact of the choruses where wailing lead guitars snake among the powerful vocals.

The lead single, “Every Story Ever Told,” showcases The Trudy’s penchant for prog rock. The bright strum of an acoustic guitar introduces the song, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere before Melissa’s smooth vocals enter, delivering storytelling lyricism with an intimate touch. The arrangement subtly builds, introducing a pulse of bass guitar and grooving drums, along with bluesy rock stylings from intricate lead electric guitar lines.

Other highlights on the record include “Pop Pop” which immediately jumps with bouncy rhythm and an uptempo energy to form an energising rock jam. Riding the driving drums, pulsing bass and twanging guitar riffs, the vocals thread infectious melodic leads on this relentless outing that maintains it’s lively style from start to finish. The record closes with “Arrival” with its subtly anthemic sound of spirited guitar strums and dancing lead notes to bring the release full circle with another short instrumental composition.

Listen to Outside Time below