Canadian power-rock trio 22nd Century is fronted by Tim Plommer (guitarist/vocalist) with Duane Chaos (bass /vocals) and Glen Gauphaum (drums) to round out the lineup and make up one complete juggernaut firing off on all cylinders.
There has always been something appealing about a good power trio. For some reason it has that X Factor that makes it unique unto itself unlike any other rock band configuration. Perhaps it’s the simplistic approach that suits it so well, you can hear uncluttered music, the bass, guitar and drums are heard loud and clear and the lead vocals are not drowned out by too many instruments or the need for over production and editing. All of those factors are there for a power trio but being able to deliver is another matter.
On The Twenty Second Century this band embodies the typically successful power trio with six punk-pop flavored tracks. The driving force of their music gets behind the tough as nails vocals of Tim Plommer and the finished product is a high energy fun CD to listen to and it never gets old because it sounds fresh, loud, and you can actually understand all the lyrics, which is revelation these days.
The lead off track “509” is perfect example of a formula that works. The vocals keep up with the fast paced rhythm section work and the phat power chords push the lyrics out to the front of the track. It all has an appealing underbelly of pop the glistens below however the rough edged punk wins out so the boys can walk away from this holding their heads high knowing they just knocked your rock lovin’ socks off.”Nightmare On 6th Avenue” shows how they can be really heavy with power as it grinds along setting you up for the curtain closer.
The closer “Sawgrass Hill” is another killer track that features all the strengths of the band. I love the line “Lost in Sawgrass Hill, with my girl and my dog and moonshine”, they make it sound like it was a good thing to get lost! That is what good kick in the arse rock ‘n’ roll is all about folks and 22nd Century nails it on this CD.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 10, 2009
