Squeeze's latest release, "Trixies," marks their first new album in nearly a decade, but its roots stretch back to 1974 when band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were just teenagers. This 16th studio album is a unique blend of a concept album and a musical, centered around a fictional nightclub, and it finally brings to life songs that were left unrecorded for decades due to the duo's inability to properly play them at the time.
The Story Behind the Album
In interviews promoting "Trixies," Difford and Tilbrook have been transparent about its origins. After the lukewarm reception to their 2017 album "The Knowledge," Tilbrook was told that "nobody is interested in a Squeeze record. What matters is Squeeze's story." This comment inspired the creation of an album that not only tells a tale through its music but also carries a compelling backstory. Written when the pair were teenagers, the songs capture the raw, callow energy of youth, making "Trixies" both a fresh offering and a nostalgic treat for long-time fans.
Musical Influences and Teenage Spirit
The album's sound is heavily influenced by the 1970s, with tracks like "The Place We Call Mars" borrowing vocal intonations and guitar solos reminiscent of David Bowie and Mick Ronson. "Hell on Earth" features staccato keyboards that echo Sparks, while "Why Don't You" hints at the hard-rock tango style of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. These elements showcase the teenage inspirations that shaped Difford and Tilbrook's early songwriting.
"Trixies" truly sounds like a musical, with descriptive lyrics and archetypal songs such as brassy stompers, rock'n'roll anthems, and wistful ballads. The album has been described as Runyonesque, akin to how Oasis is Beatlesesque, but the lyrics, written by a precocious teenager, often rely on clever cliches and intricate internal rhymes rather than deep personal experience.
Strengths and Limitations
While the album is endearing and fun, it can feel callow at times. The songs are diverting and would benefit from a theatrical staging, but they sometimes lack the dramatic hooks needed for a standalone record. There are moments where listeners can hear the seeds of what Squeeze would become, but these are scattered throughout rather than forming a cohesive whole. As a result, "Trixies" is an enjoyable listen but unlikely to replace classics like "East Side Story" in fans' collections.
Overall, "Trixies" offers a fascinating glimpse into Squeeze's teenage dreams, blending musical storytelling with nostalgic rock influences. It's a testament to the enduring creativity of Difford and Tilbrook, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of their earlier work.
