trophyband.com

After holding up together in a converted Toronto townhouse for the best part of a year, Trophy emerged, blinking at the light, clutching an album of finely crafted, melodic rock songs. Born out of the Toronto music scene, Trophy's self-titled debut album is both a study in contrast and a celebration of subtlety.

The album as a body of work is uplifting yet thoughtful, exploring the darker side of life but refusing to be dragged down by it. The soundscape reflects the mood and lyrics of each song as powerful guitar riffs and furious drumming are tempered by soaring, chilled out vocals. “We took our time to make sure that the songs were treated properly,” says guitarist Phil Houston, “that the contrast was right and the subtlety was there to match the lyrics and vibe of each song.”

The five band members that make up Trophy all have musical backgrounds with other bands on the Toronto music scene. After watching each other perform for a number of years, they have come together to form a new alliance: “This is a city album, a real Toronto record, born out of our musical community”, bassist Peter Fusco reflects.

The music on the album started out with a heavy-rock feel. The band sat and listened to the songs, analyzing them for a long time, before they finally began the production process: “We cranked the knobs, all of them, turned the black ones all the way up and then pulled them all back on every track,” singer/guitarist Kirt Godwin explains. What resulted was a softer, stripped-down, more dynamic sound.

Reflective and uplifting, Trophy's self-titled debut album is the soundtrack for the day you get over your breakup - when you've been through an emotional time and still want to get up and dance. It's about moving through it rather than marinating in it.