With a couple of well-received EPs under their belts and a growing live following, the first full-length release from these Dublin contenders is keenly anticipated in some quarters. Pleased to report then that Stay is as good a local debut as has arrived on the HP reviews desk in many a month.
Immediately impressive is the straight-up, gimmick-free production – way too many bands are tempted by studio wizardry, especially on their first outing. Also, Trip Hazard’s sound is almost impossible to pin down stylistically. Fans of the broad church of indie will find plenty to savour here (‘Getaway’, ‘Fred Astaire’), while those with Go Betweens or American Music Club records in their collection might well marvel at the songwriting prowess, particularly quirky creations such as ‘Here We Go’.
Occasionally the breadth of their sonic ambition gets the better of them – 'Golden Age’ might work well live, but not on record. The slow-burning ‘Blame’ has a lovely widescreen, spacious feel with a keening melody, as does the following ‘Hurt’. But ‘Erase’ is the real highlight here, with enigmatic frontman Dave Conway bringing an almost Morrissey-like presence to bear on this highly theatrical number. Stay tuned...