Review Summary: Trust Company’s debut, “The Lonely Position of Neutral,” is a dismal record with a few above average songs.
In the midst of the wave of nu-metal bands in the early 2000s, was a band called Trust Company. You may have heard of them, but most likely you haven’t. The band had only released two albums prior to breaking up in 2005, and achieved moderate success with singles
Downfall and
Running From Me. Trust Company’s debut, “The Lonely Position of Neutral,” is a dismal record with a few above average songs.
Trust Company was put on the map in 2002, when lead single
Downfall received radio play on hard rock stations. The band struck comparisons to Linkin Park, due to higher pitched vocals and screaming from singer Kevin Palmer. Unfortunately for Trust Company, their lack of originality ultimately lead to their downfall (no pun intended). The majority of the record is very heavy, especially the closer
Take it All. The album does have its lighter sections however; both
The Fear and
Slipping Away, display the band’s softer side.
The Fear is a feeble attempt at a ballad in which includes some of the record’s worst lyrics; “Standing here
I'm cold inside with fear, and I can't feel my soul, take me in, I'm yours again, for awhile, just like the last time.”
Kevin Palmer isn’t a bad vocalist, but his styles really don’t vary at all. In almost every song he sings passionately, then grows angrier and screams. Unfortunately Palmer is the only weapon in the band’s arsenal because outside of the vocals, nothing else really stands out about Trust Company. The guitars, bass, and drums are generic and bland, there are few leads, and each song seems to follow the same aggressive to melodic to aggressive style. Single
Downfall is somewhat of a highlight, the guitars are heavily distorted and the chorus is hook-laden and catchy.
Slipping Away is also one of the better tracks, and this is Trust Company’s best attempt at combining their lighter and heavier styles.
Other than the few above average songs, Trust Company has virtually nothing to offer the non-mainstream listener. “The Lonely Position of Neutral” is very generic and unoriginal, making Trust Company a forgettable band.
Recommended Tracks:
Downfall
Slipping Away
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