TRASH formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1982, and inspired by the classic riff-driven rock n’ roll of AC/DC, Montrose, Bad Co., early Whitesnake, etc, the quintet debuted in impressive fashion with 1983’s underground classic ‘Watch Out’. TRASH then got signed by Atlantic Records for an international launch, recording “Burnin’ Rock” in 1985, now for the first time remastered by Bad Reputation Records and reissued on CD.
Atlantic saw an enormous potential in TRASH; they suggested a change in the rhythm section, adopt ‘artistic names’ for a US appeal (singer Tony Hellander switch to Ron Taylor, guitarist Gene Ball real name is Jens Grundelius, etc) and secured expert Max Norman (Ozzy, Bad Company) to produce the band’s second album “Burnin’ Rock”.
Released internationally in 1985, “Burnin’ Rock” led TRASH to a U.S. tour in support of Bon Jovi and Keel. “Burnin’ Rock” burns indeed, with hot riffs driving infectious melodies, catchy choruses and the group great back-up vocals. You can hear Max Norman’s hands carrying TRASH powerful riffage to a compact sound, organic, polished according the mid-80s but preserving the band’s punch.
While ”Burnin’ Rock” sold well in Europe, the LP ultimately failed to live up to the expectations of the bigwigs who were now investing in the band.
However, Atlantic gave TRASH another shot and the group even began sessions for their third album (which was to have been produced in New York by legend Eddie Kramer) before suddenly breaking up.
Anyway, TRASH members continued to enjoy success with a number of Swedish bands in the years that followed (Electric Boys, John Norum Band, Midnight Sun, etc).
”Burnin’ Rock” is fun, well done old-school hard rock from the ’80s, a very nice reissue (and remaster) from Bar Reputation.
Highly Recommended
1 Boogie Woogie Man
2 Burnin' Rock
3 Rock Me...Rock You!
4 I Can't Get The One (I Want...)
5 Night After Night
6 Bad Reputation
7 Hot Legs Black Stockings
8 Take My Flight
9 Rock'n'Roll Riot!
Trash – Burnin’ Rock 2024 Bad Reputation Remaster, MP3+FLAC