Forget the Grammys and overrated red carpets. That is so last Sunday. Want to talk sex on fire, for real? Move over, Kings of Leon. Spice up your listening life with a healthy dose of Trouble; the crunk-rock authority's sizzling, addictive album Trouble Andrew (Virgin/EMI) hit shelves yesterday. Perhaps more readily recognized as Trevor Andrew, the World Cup winning and Olympic gold medalist engaged to Santigold (née Santogold), this twenty-something Canadian snowboarder-turned-singer-songwriter knows what it takes to set it off and seldom slows down.
Last night Trevor and his Trouble Gang could be found wreaking havoc (AKA breaking it down) all over downtown Manhattan, from the Burton SoHo store to Santos Party House. And, slap dab in the middle of the evening, the foursome took time to open for Lily Allen's "secret" MySpace show at Bowery Ballroom. This miniature celebratory tour lasted roughly ten hours, spanning from 5 p.m. to well past witching hour. Impressive stamina!
Attendance at all three events was through the roof, from avid fans clamoring for autographs (from a receptive and affable Trevor) amidst Analog winter-wear to a seemingly endless line of complimentary-concert lovers along Delancey Street. Granted, the latter may have had a bit to do with a certain Brit, but Trouble definitely left an impression on new and old ears alike. Though they performed the classic and ever-so-catchy "Bang Bang," the team treated last night as an opportunity to showcase some new songs, including "Condition" and "Adorable." Look forward to these tracks come summer when their second disc is scheduled to drop.
As per usual, the talented troupe traveled with an entourage, which included an array of fellow musicians and other creative visionaries, among them Stunnaman, JOFO, Hollywood Holt, The Mr. Move, Spank Rock and, to round things out, the Team Facelift dudes (Machine, Fonda and Fat Jew) dropped by for a nightcap after arriving from L.A.
All in all it was a hell of a night, a stellar kickoff to what Trouble enthusiasts consider to be the beginning of a long and illustrious music career. Rock on.
