Trick Gypsy - Devil Teddy

Trick Gypsy

Devil Teddy
self-released; 2017

​3.6 out of 5

By Dom Eagle
​

Trick Gypsy is located in the south of Australia in Geelong, Victoria. They consist of Felix on vocals/guitar, Josh on bass/vocals and Tom on drums. This intriguing band has been around for a little over two years, and they have wasted no time in crafting an exciting sound. They’ve also been expanding their reach through gigging around Victoria and have been on local radio multiple times, thanks to their established fan base. They’ve certainly achieved a lot in a short space of time and are pretty chuffed with their 600+ views on YouTube. Most notably, however, they’ve won multiple ‘battle of the bands’ competitions and have started to make a name for themselves simply through impressing crowds in a live environment. Through hearing their recorded material, I find this easy to believe.

​Their latest six-track EP entitled Devil Teddy opens with the throbbing beat of “Euphemism.” A shoegaze-esque, meaty bass rhythm glides atop the throbbing, as the song slowly layers this riff with electrifying distorted power chords and crashing cymbals. Felix emerges after this explosive start with that hoarse, powerful and classic ‘lazy-cool’ style of singing that was so prominent in the punk or pop-punk era of music back in the good old ‘90s. Tricky Gypsy infuses this nostalgic sound with a little of their modern alt-rock production and energy, of course, and ensure they’re crafting a noise which is original and exciting.

‘Schitzo-Friendlier’ is even more brutal, raw and energetic than the punchy opener. A punk power chord progression screeches and burns atop energetic bass riff-age and punchy drums. Felix, once again, doesn’t disappoint with his raw, Cobain-esque brand of vocals which still retain originality through melodic and pop-esque influences here and there which add some softness and smoothness in order to create a little variety among the song. It’s a raw track, but there’s a lot of melody in which listeners can sink their teeth amidst the addictive chaos of screams, punchy drums and brutal guitar.

“Sour Straps” continues the explosive theme of the album. It does open, however, with a catchy, light-hearted guitar riff which breaks away from the darkness of the opening two tracks. It adopts more of a pop-punk-esque approach than the front half of the EP seemed to. A chorus from Felix is full of lyrics about how he “can’t get enough” and his hands are on the “sour straps.” It’s all vague and clear at the same time. The weirdness is all part of Tricky Gypsy’s aesthetic, of course, and they wear this look so well.

“Obscene” may be raw and brutal, but it’s much prettier than its title might suggest. A catchy, high pitched electric guitar riff is incredibly catchy over a pulsating, continuous beat. Felix screeches in musical breaks between guttural raw, forceful power chords. The track feels laid-back and explosive all at the same time. The instrumental is crunchy and vibrant, but melodically enticing. Felix beckons the listener to ‘come as you are’ in another seeming nod to their influencers, Nirvana, and yet the band retains their originality; they avoid sounding like just another tribute.

All in all, this is an impressive EP. Six tracks is very little into which you can sink your teeth, but Trick Gypsy sure does manage to add a lot of meat to the bones over such a short run time. I felt as if I’d listened to a full-length album. I look forward to seeing what they do next.

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