On Trans Am's fourth full-length release, the instrumental trio from Washington, D.C., refine their particular convergence of rock-oriented guitar vocabularies and '80s-influenced electronica. While Philip Manley, Nathan M... more »eans, and Sebastion Thomson joyfully grind out aggressive rhythms with loud, whip-smart guitar chords, they are equally adept at creating an android-funk milieu with vintage synthesizers and modulated vocals. Borrowing heavily from the robotic sound of synthesizer groups such as Kraftwerk, Futureworld is a diverse musical project that accommodates modern technology as well as the need to thrash on guitars, bass, and drums. --Mitch Myers« less
On Trans Am's fourth full-length release, the instrumental trio from Washington, D.C., refine their particular convergence of rock-oriented guitar vocabularies and '80s-influenced electronica. While Philip Manley, Nathan Means, and Sebastion Thomson joyfully grind out aggressive rhythms with loud, whip-smart guitar chords, they are equally adept at creating an android-funk milieu with vintage synthesizers and modulated vocals. Borrowing heavily from the robotic sound of synthesizer groups such as Kraftwerk, Futureworld is a diverse musical project that accommodates modern technology as well as the need to thrash on guitars, bass, and drums. --Mitch Myers
"It is interesting how different people can pick up different things from the same music. I had long been a fan of surrender to the night, trans am's second record, when this one came out. It followed the somewhat lackluster album the surveillance (which nevertheless has four very good songs on it); and I would say that Futureworld is possibly the epitome of Trans Am's brand of "post-rock" (whatever that term means now). Previous reviews mentioned Kraftwerk, and certainly that is a point of reference. And for the first time, the members of Trans Am actually (gasp) sing on an album. At first this prospect distressed me, but now the lyrics fit right along with Trans Am's unabashed stadium rock vs keyboards fixation. This all comes together to create an album that, for me at least, is far from depressing; rather, I find it a cheerful and energetic album. There's a lot to like here: Trans Am have a certain sense of humor that is missing from many "serious" modern bands in the same vein, and they know how to find a fine balance between piledriving (see city in flames, portions of the title track) and downright pretty (sad and young, runners standing still). I love this record, so the negative reviews are confusing; but certainly everyone has the right to their opinion."
... and then there's Trans Am
Steveatty | Phila, Pa | 07/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Somewhat of a cult phenomenon, Trans Am has built up a loyal following over the last ten years. Considered by some to be a posterchild for "post rock", that simple two world title does not even come close to describing the unique sound Trans Am has created.
A bend of electronica, minimalist punk rock, and lavish late 70's art rock, Trans Am creates a sound that defies casual description. Wavering between atonal noise rock and fist pumping arena rock, Trans Am seems to thrive on challenging, pummeling, and fooling the audience.
The title track begins with the sampled sound of a DC Metro train, that seemlessly segways into a drum and keyboard dance beat. This is then followed by vocals fed through a vocoder, making the lead singer sound like a robot.
If that description grabs your attention, then buy this album. You wont be disappointed."
Buy this from Thrill Jockey for 9 bucks!
Steveatty | 10/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really have no idea why this album is reviewed as poor or even mediocre. I think it is so much better that that. Maybe for all of those elitists out there that wanted the album more to their specifications think it's horrible but at least give this masterpiece a chance. Hopefully Trans Am will come to the dreary Boise, Id."
Its not THAT bad at all
Steveatty | 07/11/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In fact, the more I listen to it the more I appreciate it. Trans am once again fuses different styles with ease. The marriage of a kraftwerklike influence and heavy metal riffs may seem confusing at first but don't be afraid of it. Its pretty darn good, especially television eyes and futureworld. Both those songs alone made it worth buying. The second half of the disc is nothing short of sublime. If you like to be challenged musically than once again, Trans am stands up to the challenge."
One of post-rock's best albums
Teresa Roman-Micek | Menlo Park, CA USA | 07/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On this album, they really bring together their punk energy and noise/synth experimentation (with some good social commentary to boot). When I first saw them play, they played "Future World" with two bass guitars and synths, and in six minutes laid out the foundation for the genre--unapologetic rock with cheesy accessories and a minimalist philosophy."