Recap: Trixter: Leaving Their Mark On A Human Era -Rome, NY

Trixter: Leaving Their Mark On A Human Era – by Michael Bruce

There’s something fun, interesting, and cool when you’re nationally famous and from New Jersey.  I guess because New York is so common, or understandable?  However Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Eddie Trunk and yes, TRIXTER are all proud to say: “We’re from JOARSEY”.  Trixter brought its brand of Jersey melodic rock music to The Capital Theater in Rome, New York Saturday night and it was no disappointment.

Trixter has a little different look these days.  No Peter Loran on lead vocals and no Mark “Gus” Scott banging the drums.  Here’s what they do have: Ben Hans on the drums.  You fellow 80s rocker fans may have seen Ben before playing percussion for the Kip Winger solo shows.  On the bass is original member PJ Farley, and on guitar is original member Steve Brown.  Musically the band was a well-oiled machine.  They had a very tight and energetic sound.  Hans is a total pro, Farley has such a great bass tone and smooth playing skills, and Brown is in total command of his guitar.  His rhythm and lead playing guitar chops fill the room in a one guitar band.  On a side note, it was the first time I’ve seen/heard one of his signature SBS guitars in action.  Good stuff!  Well, all of that is nice, but what about the vocals?  This is where I was really impressed.  Steve Brown can really sing well, and ironically his voice actually sounds a bit like Loran’s.  He didn’t seem to struggle with any high notes either.   PJ Farley took on some lead vocals as well, and HE sings really well too.  Throw in a surprisingly good Ben Hans on backing vocals (who knew?), and you have a powerful vocal trio in the house!  Harmonies were on point! 

The band ran through a great selection of their songs that would satisfy the casual Trixter fans and the die-hards.  Rockin’ Horse was a great opening song and just set the tone that this was going to be a fun 80s style rockin’ show.  I loved the set list last night.  They performed One In A Million, Heart of Steel, Give It To Me Good, and Road Of A Thousand Dreams.  Great songs that you would expect to hear.  However, they have a bunch of other good songs, so it’s always fun guessing what they might do.  Line of Fire and Surrender were great to hear from the debut album.  Waiting In That Line from the Hear album was a total surprise, and it sounded great.  Tattoos and Misery off of the New Audio Machine album is one of my favorites.  They also performed Human Era from the album Human Era.  It is such a cool song, and the video will give you watery eyes and the chills!  It is a must watch.  Another surprise was 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.  They covered the Paul Simon song on their Undercovers album way back in 1994.  If you’re into famous bands covering other famous songs, Undercovers is a true gem.  To finish it out, they called out all of the opening bands for a super fun rendition of Kiss’ Rock n’ Roll All Night.  Pretty Boy Floyd, Bad Marriage, and Ink all delivered entertaining sets! 

Needless to say, the crowd was more than entertained by Trixter and their slew of fun songs.  However, the true entertainment is watching the chemistry between Steve Brown and PJ Farley.  These guys have been friends forever, and are all smiles on stage.  They will perform until their bodies, or minds say they can’t.  A couple of middle class kids from Jersey who grew up in the 2 most fun decades ever: 70s and 80s.  They love music and wanted to perform it for a living. They’ve never strayed from their goals.  They have many musical projects that keep them busy and away from each other to pay the bills.  They both work on solo projects.  PJ performs with Fozzy and Kuarantine.   Brown has his Rubix Cube, Wizards of Winter, has filled in when needed for Def Leppard, and is always writing/producing with someone.  His last big venture with founding Kiss member Ace Frehley was a huge success.  However, Trixter will always be somewhere on the agenda for both of them.   Amongst everything they do, you can tell that Trixter is their comfortable loving home.  It’s like eating some burgers, onion rings and pie at Suburban Diner in Paramus, NJ where they learned how to fly.  (it’s very good I’ve been there)  One thing rings true though, Trixter will be remembered as part of THIS Human Era.