Trixie and the Skates - Make The Rules

Trixie and the Skates

Make The Rules
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Hailing from San Francisco, CA, Trixie and the Skates is a five-piece band comprised of Trixie Rasputin, Eli Theman, Jaemi Fortier, Stevie Q'Pons and Zillah Smith. They recently released their debut EP entitled Make The Rules. Trixie Rasputin originally wrote the songs on piano and you may have guessed that even without being informed. These songs could work with a lone piano and vocals but I thought the additional instruments made the songs more dynamic and full of energy. Trixie and the Skates could be described as a rock band but their music fits better under the category of pop. It’s ultimately the infectious melodies and lyrics that carry the music and the band rarely gets in a mode where you feel as if they are “rocking out.” 

The EP opens with “Little Pieces.” It begins with a delicate, circular piano melody that quickly gets greeted by guitar, bass and drums. The verse is good listening but the chorus is great. It didn’t take long for me to get the melodies stuck in my head. The band knows not to overdo it and realize when it's appropriate to leave a catchy melody so you end up wanting more. 

The band continues with “Come On Kid” which has a tinge of ‘70s classic rock. Rasputin sings, “I take what is mine/I don't waste anybody's time.“ The vocal harmonies were especially effective during the chorus on this song. Conceptually “Groove” is a deeper song intelligently combining the process of dying with listening to music. It may sound like a gloomy song but the feeling is quite the opposite.

Some of their pop propensity leans towards sounding like The Beatles. “Obsession” starts off minimal and unassuming but eventually ends up having some epic moments. They close with “Vampire” which mimics some of the rhythmic feel of the previous song “Obsession.” At five-plus minutes “Vampires” is the longest song but it also feels loose in a good way.

Make The Rules was a “grower” for me. Although the songs were catchy it took me a couple of spins to appreciate the band's style. Overall, the EP is not without some mishaps but still thoroughly enjoyable. Recommended. 

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