Trial Kennedy – “Living Undesigned” – Album Review

Review by: Luke Sutton

Living Undesigned, the sophomore release from Trial Kennedy is truly a work of sheer blood, sweat and tears. Debut effort New Manic Art was one of my fave independent releases of recent times. It was fresh and exciting, classic rock with a bit of an alternate vibe going for it.

Unfortunately, due to devastating personal life issues (heart surgery, label issues etc) Living Undesigned feels as though it has been king hit and knocked off of it’s feet. And yet Trial Kennedy have climbed back up out of the rubble, defining the odds and producing an album that manages to retain the bands unique sound and produce something new at the same time.

Vocalist Tim Morrison underwent heart surgery prior to this album and although a completely fair reason, it does show. Morrison is holding back on his vocals, at times it feels as though the mixing might be too low. However, it should be noted that for what it’s worth he gives it his all. Tracks such as “Sally”, “Strange Behaviour” (the lead single) and “Best of Tomorrow” are the albums stand outs, echoing back to the bands roots.

While Living Undesigned will take multiple listens, each time is worth it to reach the albums finest moment in a part of the finale, “Arrest Room”. It’s a somber slow movement which would make for a beautiful acoustic B-Side for future EP releases.

While Living Undesigned is a vastly different release to New Manic Art, it’s no doubt one worth listening to. Give it your attention and I promise it will grow on you over time.

Review by: Luke Sutton

– Living Undesigned – Trial Kennedy

– New Manic Art – Trial Kennedy

TOUR DATES
Saturday, 14th May. Pelly Bar, Frankston
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Thursday, 19th May. Wollongong City Diggers, Wollongong
with Numbers Radio
Tickets on sale from tickets.newworldartists.net, Oztix phonecharge 1300 762 545, www.oztix.com.au, Oztix outlets and from the Venue Ph (02) 4228 8522.

Friday, 20th May. The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
with Numbers Radio
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Saturday, 21st May. The Annandale, Sydney
with Numbers Radio
Tickets on sale from tickets.newworldartists.net, Oztix phonecharge 1300 762 545, www.oztix.com.au, Oztix outlets and from the Venue phonecharge 02 9550 1078 or www.annandalehotel.com

Friday, 27th May. The Zoo, Brisbane
with Numbers Radio
Tickets on sale from tickets.newworldartists.net, Oztix phonecharge 1300 762 545, www.oztix.com.au & Oztix outlets.

Saturday, 28th May. Miami Tavern, Gold Coast
with Numbers Radio
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Thursday, 2nd June. Prince of Wales, Bunbury
with Wolves
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Friday, 3rd June. Amplifier, Perth
with Wolves
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Saturday, 4th June. Jive Bar, Adelaide
Tickets on sale from Moshtix

Sunday. 12th June. Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
Tickets on sale from the Venue Box Office: Ferntree Gully Hotel, phonecharge 03 9758 6544 or www.ferntreegullyhotel.com.au

Friday, 17 June. Granada Tavern, Hobart
Tickets on sale from tickets.newworldartists.net, Oztix phonecharge 1300 762 545, www.oztix.com.au, Oztix outlets and from the Venue Ph (03) 6249 1100

Saturday, 18th June. Hotel New York, Launceston
Tickets on sale from tickets.newworldartists.net , Oztix phonecharge 1300 762 545, www.oztix.com.au & Oztix outlets