TROPHY JUMP – ‘Feels’ album (Horn & Hoof/NastyCut/Jebo Ton/We’re Trying)

10 ways to say catchy

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Croatia’s TROPHY JUMP formed in 2014 as part of the Jebo Ton Collective. Having come a long way from the playful-but-generic skate-punk of 2017’s Depression Club album, this taut 11-tracker sees the band revitalised and ready for fresh adventures.

The cheery 48 second intro It’s Not A Race!!! hints at what’s to come with, of all things, a falsetto vocal for one word, serving as an entrée to the snappy optimism of Business Trip. A formidable power-pop anthem with indie-rock elements, these threads continue throughout the album. See also the friendly, unaffected vibe of Neon Lights (think a less arty JETS TO BRAZIL), or the anthemic Leather Couch.

Before I go any further though, let’s talk about that laziest of adjectives. Tying myself up in knots trying to figure out 10 different ways to say ‘catchy’? (Interdimensional Cable’s 16 second string of ad clips notwithstanding). Not happening. Trust me when I say, every single song on this album will worm itself into your brain at some point. That said, does I Don’t Wanna Live In A Fitness Ad‘s verse have the potential to be annoying? Possibly. However, only the stoniest of hearts would argue with that prodigious guitar sound, the raw, anthemic chorus and proggy ending. Even greater heights are scaled on BRKN Values, one of several songs on Feels with that rarest of qualities: it feels like you’ve known it for years. A moody piece, it sees the band utilise warm brass in the same subtle way as NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL, like a welcoming hug.

Thankfully, TROPHY JUMP aren’t afraid of an unabashed guitar solo. BRKN Values‘ offbeat section sports a cracker, as does the rough-edged anthem FOMO, building beautifully through guitar effects, MUSE-style. Single Hugs On Drugs is a high among highs. Packed to the gills with hooks and a judicious use of trumpet, the band blend together a clever mix of euphoria and sadness to create a bittersweet gem. Album closers Beer Pressure and Sharing Is Scary are less exciting when compared to everything up to this point, but still immense. The former displays an unusual chord progression to go with its fast, skate punk intro and NOFX chorus. The latter, a maudlin, semi-acoustic ballad bows out with one last hooky chorus and a final outing for that delicious warm brass.

JIMMY EAT WORLD skating with SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE? FIDDLEHEAD camping out with NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL? Whatever. Power-pop-tinged indie-punk, played ostensibly on guitar, bass and drums may struggle to raise an eyebrow in a world of endless streaming but, if there’s any justice, TROPHY JUMP will get their dues. They have something that not even the brass, unusual guitar sounds, offbeat structures and masterful songwriting could achieve alone. A palpable sense of jubilation pervades throughout these songs, an infectious optimism that comes from a tight-knit band, a gang if you like, of inspired individuals working in harmony to create their own brand of special. Whatever it is, TROPHY JUMP have bottled it and poured it into every second of this intoxicating record. Top tier.

Released on 22nd February 2022 via Horn & Hoof Records (UK), Nasty Cut Records (EU), Jebo Ton (Croatia) and We’re Trying Records (US) digitally and on CD, pre-order here