The Kiss That Took A Trip Photo Credit: Picture by Pablo Sanz
The man behind The Kiss That Took A Trip, M.D. Trello, is a figure whose musical journey is just as captivating as the art he produces. Trello is a one-man band from Madrid, Spain, and their concept has been under development for eighteen years. His music demonstrates his broad taste and profound admiration for the imaginative through the blend of sounds and styles. With a diverse range of musical influences, such as Talk Talk, Mogwai, Friends Of Dean Martinez, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, and Nine Inch Nails, among others, Trello has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Inspired by musicians such as Trent Reznor and Steve Albini, Trello began his career in the music industry with a do-it-yourself mindset. Following a protracted period of uncertainty, this mindset forced him to embrace public exposition, giving rise to The Kiss That Took A Trip. Trello’s view in music as a shared, social experience rather than a commercial product is highlighted by his dedication to free music and Creative Commons licensing. His unfiltered vision of creation, which frequently operates outside of the mainstream but resonates strongly with individuals looking for something real and immersive, is what makes his work so distinctive.
Trello’s music is anything but simple, even with his solo endeavor. He plays many different parts and does programming, guitar, and vocals with an exacting attention to detail that produces compositions with plenty of layers. Though his work clearly shows his influences, he nevertheless manages to give each piece his own voice and style. Trello has progressively moved from entirely instrumental recordings to more traditional alternative pop/rock songs on The Kiss That Took A Trip over the years, all the while keeping true to his avant-garde beginnings.
M.D. Trello’s album “Victims of the Avantgarde,” which was released on April 2nd, 2024, is a monument to his artistic perseverance and development. This album, which is The Kiss That Took A Trip’s most recent release, is a sonic investigation that was inspired by dissatisfaction and personal tragedy. Trello used his experiences to create this amazing collection of work in the summer of 2023, just before he was about to give up music completely. Trello’s carefully designed universe is brought to life with a collection of tunes that give a high replay value and immersive experience. “Victims of the Avantgarde” provides a welcome alternative for anyone weary of the passing fads in the mainstream and is proof of the continuing power of sincere, passionate music.
This album is a love letter to the 90s, an era that Trello reveres, yet it is far from a mere nostalgic endeavor. “Victims of the Avantgarde” represents a significant step forward in production quality, showcasing Trello’s growth as an artist. The album’s 12 tracks each stand as potential singles, brimming with melody and emotional depth. Rock songs like “Skull and Crossbones” and “Wronged” demonstrate Trello’s ability to combine energetic, gritty rock with slower, more contemplative passages. The album offers a very captivating listening experience thanks to its smooth transitions and rich textures.
Victims Of The Avantgarde Album Track List:
Skull And Crossbones:
Listening to “Skull and Crossbones” from “Victims of the Avantgarde” by The Kiss That Took A Trip, I was immediately struck by its authentic and organic feel. A progressive rock masterpiece is revealed when the song begins with the repetitive clapping of drum sticks. The constant pulse of the drum beat and the deep depths of the bass combine with the repeating guitar strings and their self-echoing resonance to create a rich and complex soundscape. The addition of brassy, grungy guitar highlights further elevates the song, giving it an electrifying and edgy vibe. This intricate instrumental interplay serves as the perfect backdrop for The Kiss That Took A Trip’s exquisite vocals, which he delivers with grace, precision, and a palpable passion that draws the listener in.
As the song progresses, it seamlessly transitions between its gritty and brassy choruses and more subtle verses. At the 0:48 mark, the song’s sound becomes more unfiltered and raw, especially during the chorus, where The Kiss’s voice is double-tracked to create a fuller, richer essence. This dynamic shift enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics, adding depth and intensity. After the chorus, around the 1:05 timestamp, the introduction of soothing piano notes brings a calming effect, enriching the song’s texture and elevating its overall feel. The seamless shifts and transitions within the song highlight The Kiss’s masterful production skills, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience that feels both natural and meticulously crafted.
One of the most captivating moments in “Skull and Crossbones” occurs between the 2:15 and 2:45 timestamps, where the instrumentation takes center stage, embarking on a melodic excursion without vocals. During this instrumental break, experimental synths and grungy guitar strings create a symphony of unique sounds that elevate the song to new heights. This section showcases The Kiss’s ability to blend different musical elements into a harmonious and compelling whole. “Skull and Crossbones” is a unique rock song that blends uniqueness, organic feel, and melodic beauty. All things considered, it stands out as a work of art. It’s an incredible work of art that has a profound emotional impact and stays with the listener.
Wronged:
Diving deep into “Wronged” from “Victims of the Avantgarde” by The Kiss That Took A Trip, I found myself enveloped in a mesmerizing, psychedelic soundscape. The song opens with a soft, calming melodic flow created by gentle drum-infused percussion sounds and ethereally soft guitar strings that send chills down my spine. The majestic presence of the bass underpins this gentle instrumentation, creating a unique, slow-tempo progression that feels like a ballet of sounds. The interplay between these elements is majestic, serene, and gracious, setting a tranquil yet compelling tone right from the start.
As the song evolves, the soft and mellow voice of The Kiss That Took A Trip, enters the mix, adding another layer of beauty and serenity. His vocals carry the lyrics with a passion that enhances the song’s emotional depth. With the introduction of his voice, the drum-infused percussion gains more vitality, and by the 1:00 mark, the guitar strings become more profound. The drum beat fully embraces its groove, and the synths dance gracefully, enriching the overall sound. This deceptive complexity is a hallmark of “Wronged,” as it continually shifts and evolves, maintaining a consistent yet dynamic flow.
The song’s structure is a journey in itself, with rhythmic shifts and instrumental interplay that keep the listener engaged. Just when it seems like the song might crescendo at the 1:10 timestamp, it surprises with a return to a softer instrumentation, blending experimental synths and percussions to create a refreshing new flow. Despite these changes, the song’s core energy remains soft and consistent, blending cinematic and psychedelic elements in a beautiful, majestic way. “Wronged” is a true work of art, showcasing The Kiss That Took A Trip’s ability to craft deeply immersive and emotionally resonant music.
Irma Vep:
Listening to “Irma Vep” from the album “Victims of the Avantgarde” by The Kiss That Took A Trip, I found myself immersed in a delicate blend of rock, experimental music, and soft energy. The track opens with a unique kind of energy, characterized by a rhythmic pulsing drum beat, energetic synth-guitar movements, and experimental synth sounds. These elements combine to create a midtempo, energetic, progressively evolving sound with a distinct groove. Shortly after this dynamic opening, The Kiss’s voice enters the mix, vibrating with a mature, gracious tone that carries the lyrics with elegance and essence.
At around the 0:40 timestamp, the song introduces cozy piano melodies, bringing a softer vibe to the track. Alongside these melodies, sustained synth sounds add a sharp, ear-pitching quality. As the song transitions back to its original rhythm at the 1:05 mark, the deep, thick sounds of the bass are introduced, adding depth and texture to the composition. The interplay between these elements creates moments of increased intensity and vitality, as the piano and synth sounds from the earlier section return at intervals, highlighting the song’s dynamic progression. Despite these shifts, “Irma Vep” maintains a perfect balance and consistent movement in its core essence, with Trello’s voice occasionally double-tracked to enrich the song’s overall feel.
The progression of “Irma Vep” showcases the The Kiss’s ability to blend rhythmic shifts and subtle instrumental movements seamlessly. The track evolves without losing its core energy, maintaining a harmony that feels both natural and meticulously crafted. The combination of rock, experimental elements, and soft energy results in a song that is truly marvelous and a testament to The Kiss That Took A Trip’s musical ingenuity. “Irma Vep” stands out as a wonderful balance of different musical styles, creating a mosaic of sound that is both captivating and profoundly satisfying.
Velvet Wall:
The guitar strings on “Velvet Wall” from the album “Victims of the Avantgarde” by The Kiss That Took A Trip are nothing short of extraordinary. This song carries a movie-like feel, as if it were plucked straight from a cinematic soundtrack. The track opens with the clicking of drum sticks before unveiling a remarkable instrumental makeup—a melodic balance between the gentle groove of the drum beat, the progressive flow of thick bass sounds, the sustained tones of soothing synths, and the softly electrifying guitar strings. Together, these elements create a midtempo, evolving, upbeat rhythm that feels inherently cinematic, with a unique groove that can easily make your body move.
At the 0:28 timestamp, The Kiss’s voice enters the mix, soothing and imbued with a unique aura as always. As soon as his voice comes in, the song’s rhythmic flow shifts to something softer, momentarily stripping away some of its instrumental layers. This subtle transformation highlights the interplay between the vocals and the instruments, creating a dynamic yet harmonious soundscape. As the song progresses, it undergoes further subtle movements and shifts in its rudimentary flow and rhythmic feel, while still holding true to its core essence. The bass sounds remain consistent, the guitar strings continue to infuse the song with that cinematic feel, and the drum beat serves as the guiding light.
Overall, “Velvet Wall” stands out as a perfect example of cinematic sounds in the form of soft rock. The instrumentation provides an impeccable backdrop for The Kiss’s voice, maintaining a delicate balance between evolving rhythms and consistent core elements. The end product is a song that embodies the distinct sound that characterizes The Kiss That Took A Trip, feeling both unified and energetic. The band’s ability to create music that defies conventional genre boundaries and produces an auditory experience that is both engrossing and profoundly fulfilling is demonstrated by this song, which has a cinematic feel and a rhythmic groove.
The skill and commitment of The Kiss That Took A Trip is demonstrated in “Victims of the Avantgarde”. With its diverse range of sounds ranging from cinematic soft rock to gritty rock, the album has something to offer everyone. For those who value music with complexity, uniqueness, and a hint of avant-garde, this is the ideal recommendation. The album “Victims of the Avantgarde” by The Kiss That Took A Trip is a must-listen for any music lover because it not only pays tribute to the past but also opens doors for the future.
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