Customer Reviews

True Parallels

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Trustcompany had a really good debut behind them in 2002, and after they kind of fell off the radar I was worried that they would never return. However, three years later, the band has re-emerged with a new bassist and stronger than ever before. In the tradition of their debut, "The Lonely Position Of Neutral," "True Parallels" is a solid collection of catchy sensitive alternative/hard-rock tunes, with some songs standing out more than others.

Not much has changed, musically, with the band, hell, they even used the same producer, Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Lo-Pro) that handled their debut. But I guess that's a good thing. They had already pretty much established their sound on the debut, and this album just keeps running with it. Vocalist Kevin Palmer's voice seems to be the only slight variation. I noticed his voice doesn't sound as weak as it did at times before, which is definitely a plus. Despite his limitations, he's very distinct and sings with conviction, something missing from a lot of modern rock out there. "Stronger," the first single starts up the album very well, much in the same vein as "Downfall" (and if you listen closely you can hear Douglas Robb of Hoobastank in the background). However, the next track, "The War Is Over" is probably the best song out of the bunch - and is one of two tracks ("Stronger" being the other) produced by Howard Benson (Papa Roach, Hoobastank). Despite the title, it's not politically motivated. Rather, it sets the lyrical tone for the album, a positive message set to a very catchy and layered musical backdrop. If I had to guess, I'd say they're gonna put this song out as the second single. The rest of the album takes on the same positive vibe that the first two songs set. Whereas the first album was based around heartache and confusion, "True Parallels" seems based on the clarity that comes after realizing you can make it on your own. "Fold" and "Breaking Down" are excellent, straight-forward rock anthems, while "Without A Trace" features acoustic guitars (a first for Trustco.) and serves as a perfect wrap-up to the album (also, it bears some subtle resemblance to the outstanding Danny Lohner remix of "Hover"). The only song on here that isn't so great, though, is "Someone Like You." It just seems too desperate and ready for radio. Plus the lyrics leave much to be desired. If you've ever heard the b-side "Today," you know that they can handle ballads a little better than this. But despite the one mistep, the other 11 songs are all well done -- there's even a secret song, on track 41 (a reference to the group's old name, 41Down), that's just as good as the rest of the album.

I guess what it all boils down to, is if you liked the debut, you're gonna love this. I can't imagine anyone who liked them before not liking this. It takes a few listens to fully absorb, but then again, so do most great albums. Plus, it's dirt cheap in most places, so what more do I have to say to convince you?

Trust Company made us wait 3 years for "True Parallels", the long-awaited follow-up to the promising 1st album "The Lonely Position of Neutral". Had I known this would be the finished product, I would've waited 10 years.

This album showcases TC's unique sound and incredible talent. The lyrics are magnificent and can be related to by everyone. This is the best album of the decade. I would even go as far as saying this is the best album I have ever heard (although to be fair, I'm only 18).

1. Stronger (A. The lead single provides a catchy tune with some very inspirational lyrics.)

2. The War is Over (A+. Maybe the song of the year. If you ever want to see what makes Trust Company different from every other hard rock band, listen to this song.)

3. Surfacing (A-. The hits keep on coming...)

4. Slave (B. Finally, the album hits the "B" level. This isn't as catchy as the 1st 3 songs but is an excellent "album filler song".)

5. Fold (B-. This is the low point through 5 tracks. Unbeliveable.)

6. The Reflection (A-. For some reason, I think this song could get Trust Co. a lot of airplay if it became a single. It seems to be a lot like other rock songs, yet it still has the unique Trust Company sound.)

7. Breaking Down (C. The 1st bleh song of the album.)

8. Someone Like You (B-. This song is a nice complement to the hard stuff on the rest of the album.)

9. Crossing the Line (B+. Even nicer complement to the hard stuff on this album.)

10. Silently (D+. We'll give them a mulligan on this one. Just too boring.)

11. Erased (A-. This song has my favorite lyrics of the album. This is a good song to listen too if you are feeling down on yourself and want to calm yourself down.)

12. Without a Trace (C. Slightly better than Silently, but still way below par when compared to the rest of the album.)

41. Retina (B+. The album's hidden track that is buried as track #41 on the CD. I'd love to know why this didn't make the CD. Another great song with a catchy tune and very inspirational lyrics.)

This is an album everyone should get. There is no other band like Trust Company out there. If you like rock music or alternative music, this album is a must. I just hope we don't have to wait 3 years for Trust Company's 3rd album.

I was on the edge of my seat, so to speak, for the last 3 years waiting for this uber-delayed CD. Their previous effort, The Lonely Position of Neutral, still maintains quality playtime on my MP3 player and CD changer alike. I was always amazed that TRUSTCompany never got very well-known...they certainly have the talent. Their second album, True Parallels, is a CD that is just as good as, and at times better than, their original. People new to the band have complained about things like all their songs sounding the same, or that they are not original enough. First off, I will admit that a few of the songs on here DO, in fact, sound similar. Not all, but some. There is no disputing that The War Is Over does not sound like, say, Without A Trace or Silently. Sonds like The Reflection, Fold, Erased, and Breaking Down do sound similar. But you know what? I am a fan of TRUSTCompany for their music first and variety second, so I don't really care that one amazing song sounds like another amazing song. They are all great.

The two standout aspects of this CD would have to be the vocals and the guitar. Kevin's voice is just as hauntingly soothing (and loud at times) as before, and the backups provide an excellent rock harmony. The guitar, which was not present on the previous CD nearly as much, is perfect. The melodic licks added to songs like The War Is Over, Silently, Someone Like You and Retina make the already excellent songs that much better. TRUSTCompany rock you with thumping beats and heavy guitar, while at the same time providing a singer whose voice is beautifully unique and a melody that simply makes the music delightful to hear. These guys should get a lot more credit, and a lot more exposure.

While I like just about every song on the CD, my favorites are the ones that are of the slightly new style. The War Is Over is by far the best song on there. Stronger, Surfacing, Silently, Slave, Erased, The Relfection, Fold...all great songs. Not a big fan of Without A Trace of Someone Like You, but I don't skip them either. Overall, if you liked The Lonely Position of Neutral, get this CD. If you've never heard of TRUSTCompany before, you might want to check that one out first...if you like it, by all means get this CD too. You won't be disaapointed.

I love this album! I had not heard of Trust Company before they released the single "Stronger", but I loved it so I decided to buy their cd True Parallels. It was definitely money well spent! I can't stop listening to that cd. All of the songs are great! Trust Company really pulls off that whole loud/soft mix with the rockin' guitars and drums one moment and then softer guitar and drums the next. Some of my favorite songs on this album are "Crossing the Line", "Fold", "Surfacing", and "Retina" (the hidden track). I also really liked the enhanced cd features. Overall, this is a GREAT cd and I recommend it to everyone! So go out and pick up a copy of it, you won't be sorry!!!!

True Parallels is simply a breath of fresh air. For those of us that have been anticipating this record for almost 3 years it is certainly nice to finally hear some new music that makes up a rather solid album.

Some believe that TP holds its ground to being "without a doubt" Trust Co...the sound is the same, the song writing hasn't changed much, though there is definately an overall difference if you listen closely. "Stronger" and "Surfacing" exhibit Trust Co. as they were a few years ago, and hearing either track on TLPON would not have shocked any one since they're the most reminiscent of an older sound. Everything else on the other hand, is amazingly impressive. Here's how I broke the album down:

1) Stronger (3/5) - I will always disagree that this track had to be the best choice for the first single. Though it's a pretty easy flowing song, it doesn't promote Trust Co as bringing anything new to the table. Very "Downfall"-esque, you don't hear much. Good song, but it lacks variation, and the lyrics are mediocre.

2) The War Is Over (5/5) - I'm glad this comes after Stronger, because quite honestly, from the first time I heard a clip of the track I knew it would be different and distinguish itself as just a taste of the rest of the album. Great overall, you kinda hear some of the new guitar sound in the intro of the track. -- One of the best on the entire album.

3) Surfacing (3/5) - Basically the same critique for 'Stronger' applies here.

4) Slave (5/5) - This one starts off hard hitting and progresses into a smooth quick paced chorus, definately something you didn't hear much of from TLPON. -- Another highlight.

5) Fold (5/5) - Fold is one of the "harder" tracks that starts out a bit melodic but picks up right throughout the chorus. There's nothing in particular that's ultra unique here but it's definately another one worthy of being called an impressive one.

6) The Reflection (5/5) - I can't think of an eqivalent to this track, it has a dark, grungy tone which is very different from what you'd expect.

7) Breaking Down (6/5) - What should have been the first single. Enough said.

8) Someone Like You (4/5) - A lighter track, a bit on the pop side sort of..too radio friendly imo. It's not horrible, but it takes a break from previous tracks that were more or less in your face.

9) Crossing The Line (4/5) - Somewhat on par with 'Someone Like You'. Nothing spectacular.

10) Silently (6/5) - Probably battles with 'Breaking Down' as the best on the album. A bit on the emo side but what else can you expect, every band does atleast one. Comparable to 'Hover' or 'Deeper Into You' from TLPON.

11) Erased (4/5) - I didn't think much of this at first but after giving it a few listens I was thoroughly amazed by how good it actually is. Would work out great as a single.

12) Without A Trace (5/5) - Semi acoustic? Didn't see that coming. Very unique for Trust Co. Mellow and melodic, a great listen.

13) Retina (4/5) - I'm not sure why this ended up being a hidden track, it would have done TP justice by making the final cut. I'll just pretend this wasnt hidden and say it was a great way to close out the album.

WOW, I was astonished by this album the first time I listened to it. The music and Vocals just once again fits together, and the lyrics, well let's admit it, isn't what makes Trust Company. The Best song on this Album is BY FAR the Hidden Track, Called Retina. I just don'T understand why they didn'T include their remix of Hover, which was on the Underworld Soundtrack, What an Amazing Track. If You liked Their debut album, you'll love this one.

1. Stronger 8/10
2. The War is Over 8/10
3. Surfacing 9/10
4. Slave 8/10
5. Fold 10/10 --> My 2nd Favorite
6. The Reflection 9/10 --> 3rd Favorite
7. Breaking Down 7/10
8. Someone Like You 7/10
9. Crossign The Line 8/10
10. Rock The Casbah 7/10 --> Nice Remake, but not of the best Song.
11. Silently 7/10
12. Erased 8/10
13. Without A Trace 6/10
14. Retina 20/10 ---> Just No Doubt, The Best Track on this Album

I bought this album on 03/23/05, and I had no clue who Trust Company were then. I was at Target browsing for new music, and I decided to buy this album, and I'm glad I did, because this album has helped me through a lot of times in the past 6 years, since the album has been out. This album sold about half of what their debut album The Lonely Position Of Neutral did. I think they deserve a lot more than they get. A lot of people think they are underrated. They've been a band on and off for at least 10 years now so they should be more popular than they are. Trust Company is unique, and original, both of their albums never get old, and I can listen to both of their albums for hours on repeat. I know they broke up once after the release of True Parallels, then Kevin formed Amity Lane shortly after, and they released one album, then Trust Company came back in 2007, and I was overjoyed, because they are the best ever. True Parallels is in my top 40 albums of all time. I like all the songs on the album the same. My favorite songs on True Parallels are:
1. Someone Like You
2. Stronger
3. Breaking Down
4. Fold
5. The Reflection

This is a great band. This album is great. I wish they would release some more music. Highly recommended.

Now, This CD is Awesome. Way better then the 1st. This song is a little more (not much), heavier then their 1st CD, but it's mostly the same. Either this CD makes you want to "Mosh" and jump around, or to listen to when you wanna get Hyped about something. I hope they come out with more great songs!

If you liked "the lonely position", chances are, you'll like this one too (1 2). Trust company is a perfect blend of hard rock and smooth, melodic vocals, and had they added a cheesy rapper to the set, they'd be as big as linkin park (the saddest "rock" band on the face of the earth, next to good charlotte). No hip-hop influence or turntables here, just straight-ahead, modern rock with a slightly more melodic sound. And the best part is, they'll probably never be seen at #1 on mtv countdowns or billboard charts. Pick up "true parallels" if you want some well produced, catchy rock, with enough hard edge and soft melody to even things out. 4 1/2 out of 5 (only because I liked "the lonely position" a tad bit better).