EP REVIEW: Trivia – Home (Serial Bowl Records)
I hadn’t heard of Trivia when I was asked to review this debut EP, but didn’t hesitate when I found they’ve been taken under the wing of Sunderland’s Serial Bowl Records.
The DIY punk and hardcore label has a track record of unearthing fresh new talent, and they’ve certainly done that with this two-piece who play loud, melodic, grungy punk rock.
Duos seem to be enjoying a purple patch right now, with the likes of The Meffs, Soft Play (formerly Slaves), Bob Vylan, Nova Twins, Pest and Yur Mum making waves on the alternative music scene.
Trivia, who are from Sunderland, are another name you can add to that list, and I was stunned to find that Hannah Hays (vocals/guitar) and Lydia Stubbs (drums) are just 14 and 15 years old respectively.
They have a confidence and songwriting talent way beyond their years, and they’ve come a long way in the year or so since they began making music together. From bedroom rehearsals to sharing a stage with local heroes like Tear Jerker, Red London, Slalom D and Critch, the world appears to be their oyster.
Green Day and Nirvana influences are obvious, but I’m also hearing riot grrrl bands like Hole and L7. Don’t get the idea that they’re copyists though; they have their own sound, and it’s massive. Hannah churns out huge riffs and provides melodic vocals while Lydia is the driving heartbeat of the band. Who needs a bass player when you’re as locked in as these two?
This debut EP contains five songs, kicking off with title track Home, which proves an immediate earworm. It’s full of the sort of meaty riffs which Steve Jones knocked out for fun in The Professionals. Yes, they’re that good.
It’s the standout track on the EP for me, but Skitzophrenia, Where Do You Go?, Fade and the five-minute epic Tonight, which closes things out, suggests these young ladies have something very special brewing here, and I can’t wait to hear if they can fulfil this promise with an album.
- Home by Trivia is available digitally or on CD from Serial Bowl Records HERE.
