Trip 66

(Ruffhouse/Columbia)
by J. Lianna Ness

Trip 66‘s self-titled album contains no special effects or technical wizardry. In fact, the entire album was recorded in Maria Nicgorski and Paul Nicgorski’s (brother and sister) parents’ basement where they constructed their own studio. This extraordinary debut is loaded with heavy, pounding guitar sounds, immense percussion, and clever bass lines. Maria has the most amazing set of pipes. Listening to the record, it’s hard to believe that someone 18 years old has such an incredibly mature-sounding voice. Comparisons have been made to Janis Joplin, most likely due to the throaty, smoked-too-many-cigarettes style she possesses, but that’s where the similarities end. This sassy and brazen femme fatale evokes a unique, guttural, raw, powerful style all her own. Do you know someone whose been involved in an abusive relationship? Have you had your heart broken? Are youstill trying to find all the pieces? Maria passionately voices these feelings and so much more with a gut-wrenching honesty that makes listeners feel they can relate.

I braved blizzard conditions to catch them at The Rat in Boston. It’s too bad there were only 15 people there to witness their Boston debut; the band deserves so much more. Although the vocals sounded muddy and drowned out by the thunderous guitars, the band still came across a tight, powerful unit. Maria has a striking stage presence, yet seems oblivious to her own looks. Beautiful, spell-binding and mesmerizing, this tough little powerhouse concentrates more on the music and her performance. I was ecstatic when they played my two favorite songs, “One Desire” (a balls-out, foot-stomping rocker) and “Help Me” (a bluesy, swamp rock sort of tune). This is a band with no tricks or gimmicks up their sleeves. They’re a phenomenal and original quintet that will rock your puny little world. If you’re tired of media-hyped bands that fail to deliver, travel with Trip 66.