The Wonder Years vocalist Dan Campbell’s involvement in ‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’ is telling. Not only appearing prominently on album opener and lead single, ‘Strangers’, Campbell has handled production duties on Trash Boat’s debut full-length. Juxtaposed against the juvenile turn of phrase in the album’s title, it provides a glimpse into their sophistication. As The Wonder Years achieved earlier in their career, Trash Boat venture away from their brash pop-punk roots. With it, ‘Nothing I Write You…’ is a substantial leap forward.
The entire record is more considered. Rather than forging forward with an obnoxious abandon the early incarnation of the band portrayed, particularly in their live environment, Trash Boat have clearly taken lessons from their mentor. The result is more eclectic, all sitting behind vocalist Tobi Duncan’s distinctive style. Yet rather than letting Duncan dominate, ‘Nothing I Write You…’ welcomes the occasional orchestral moment (‘Catharsis’), heart-wrenching candour (‘Brave Face’) and subdued interlude (‘Things We Leave Behind’). When pulled together, these present a more complete package than what has come before.
Forgiving the occasional misplaced substandard vocal growl (‘The Guise of a Mother’, ‘How Selfish I Seem’ and the opening moment on ‘Eleven’), ‘Nothing I Write You…’ is a refined, modern pop-punk album. For a band who found themselves teetering dangerously on the verge of being irreversibly obnoxious, it’s a particularly commendable feat. ‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’ sees Trash Boat re-evaluate their musical priorities, opting to restrain their bravado in favour of an altogether more measured and immensely more enjoyable listening experience. Far more than that, it hints at brilliance.
BEN TIPPLE