A power trio is a rock band format, traditionally having a lineup of electric guitar, electric bass and drums, with one or more band members typically singing while playing their instruments. Troll’s Toy subverts tradition and creates its own unique, purely instrumental variation of the power trio.
The music is based on Jorge Loura’s electric guitar, supported by the rhythmic momentum of João Martins’ drums. There is no bass, and its absence is not missed, as the guitar fills the space, sometimes taking over the role of the bass.
Gabriel Neves’ saxophone, an instrument usually associated with jazz, completes this twisted power trio, adding his zigzag agility to the mix. This music may defy convention and not conform to tradition, but “power” is certainly something that’s not lacking in this trio.
In 2019, Troll’s Toy released their debut album ’18:05′, which already displayed its fierce originality: Energetic music that blurs boundaries, crossing the universes of rock and jazz. On ‘Eksterordinare’, the trio takes this energy to new heights, exploring contrasting environments – from explosive tension, shock and confrontation, to moments of atmospheric calm.
The title of this album is actually the Esperanto word for “point outside the norm”, “extraordinary” in the sense of “outside the ordinary”. There is no turning back. This music is beyond the norm, it is beyond the ordinary, it is truly extraordinary.
Nuno Catarino
Tracklist
1. Inibição da Ira 11:29
2. Artur 06:38
3. Lobito 01:04
4. Máximo Divisor Comum 06:23
5. Blonde’s Ballad 05:15
6. Il Metallaro di Hebron 07:29
7. Where’s Thern? 09:26
8. Prozac (extended) 11:02
9. Placagem 05:12
10. Latíbulo 13:22
Physical
Limited edition of 250 2xLP & 250 CD
Recorded (at Fábrica das Ideias da Gafanha da Nazaré on July 27-29, 2020) and mixed by Miguel Guerra, and mastered by Rui Ferreira (at Estúdio Antena Zero), both CD and double LP feature a cover photo by Vieira Fino with artwork by Ricardo Miranda, as well as VIC NIC’s usual design signature, user the guise of an obi-zine, designed by our very own Nayara Siler.
The LP also includes a download code for the digital release.
Press
Troll’s Toy, Improviso e Ordem no Caos (PT) | Arte Sonora
À Conversa com Jorge Loura dos Troll’s Toy (PT) | Look Mag
Troll’s Toy: Novo Disco e Concerto com Orquestra (PT) | A Forma do Jazz
Qual é o teu seteoitocinco? #12 – Troll’s Toy (PT) | Portugarte
Contra ventos e marés (PT) | Jazz.pt
Credits
Gabriel Neves – Tenor, Baritone and Soprano Sax
João Martins – Drums, Percussion and Synthetizer
Jorge Loura – Baritone Guitar
Guest Musicians on “Latíbulo”:
Daniel Dias – Trombone
Luis Bôla – Tuba
Mixed by Miguel Guerra
Mastered by Rui Ferreira at Estúdio Antena Zero
Artwork by Ricardo Miranda
Cover Photo by Vieira Fino
Recorded by Miguel Guerra at Fábrica das Ideias da Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal, July 27/28/29 2020.