Trope is an alternative prog/rock band located in Hollywood, LA. Formed in 2016, the band has performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada, the US and around Los Angeles in such legendary venues including LA’s Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, as well as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years and have shared stages with Switchfoot and Sevendust. Trope has also shared stages at the legendary Hollywood Improv with world-class comedians Iliza Shlesinger (Unveiled/Netflix), Steve-O (Jackass), David Koechner (Anchorman), Bryan Callen (Hangover), Harland Williams (Something About Mary) and more.
Since 2016 they have been perfecting their artistry, leading to their highly anticipated debut album Eleutheromania. Their influences range from 90’s alternative rock bands including Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins, to the likes of Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley. Combining hypnotic rhythms with dark, progressive elements, singer Diana Studenberg gives the band their recognizable sound with her delicate-to-angst vocals which cascade dramatically atop their dynamic melodies.
Eleutheromania, meaning “a manic zeal for freedom”, is a prime example of their music which craves to break free from patterns. The album is engineered by Mike Fraser (ACDC, Aerosmith, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Eagles, Dave Mathews Band, Pantera, AIC).
The leading single “Shout” is a cover of the much loved by Tears for Fears classic. I’m often wary with covers but this is a refreshing take, reverberating with guitars, drums, and distinct vocals. This band takes a highly recognized track to another level, and in the process makes it their own. Studenberg explains, “Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time. But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments including bass, guitars, and elbow, the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for Trope.”
The band was inspired by the poignant lyrics, particularly the universal message in the lines ‘those one-track minds, that took you for a working boy. Kiss them goodbye, you shouldn’t have to jump for joy.’ Studenberg confides, “How many of us have been in situations where we’re mistreated and looked down on by people who just don’t recognize our value? I believe, in life, we shouldn’t have to placate or put on a clown face and do a fucking happy dance to appease people who behave toxically towards us and lack the foresight to really see who’s in front of them. I see this whole song as a reaffirmation of value and strength and of our ability to move past these situations and people and towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually.”
The video for “Shout” was filmed by a talented crew led by Stewart Whelan, whose credits include cinematography on The Flash TV Show and Metallica’s ‘Some Kind of Monster’ among others. Filmed on the top floor of an LA tower block and using the city landscape as a backdrop, It does well to distinguish itself from other videos whilst capturing a welcomed raucous performance from a band we look forward to seeing more of.
For more of Trope, please visit the following links
http://www.facebook.com/tropeband http://www.instagram.com/tropeband https://twitter.com/tropeband
Photo: Diana Studenberg, courtesy of LPR Agency
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