tricot - 3 Album Review

Indie math rock darlings tricot are back with their aptly-titled third album, and it's really something special. The band recently signed to the US label Topshelf Records to expand their reach, and are no doubt planning a US tour to seal the deal. 3 may very well be some of tricot's best work to date, combining their impeccable sense of melody with intricate guitar lines and time signature shifts.​

3 explodes out of the gate with Tokyo Vampire Hotel, packed with fiery punk passion and a fantastic hook. Wabi-Sabi is more toned-down and sweet, and leads into the cool and jazzy Yosoiki, one of my favorites on the album. DeDeDe, one of the pre-release teaser tracks, is another high point. It's a bit of a slower track, followed up by the twisty, meandering Sukima. The first half ends with the duology of whisper-thin Pork Side and dreamy Pork Ginger.

The second half of 3 opens up with the gentle Echo, which gives way to the saccharine 18,19. There's an adorable and impossibly catchy hook on Namu to complement the blistering guitar lead. There's the jangly lead on Munasawagi and an incredible vocal buildup towards the end of Setsuyakuka, and the album ends with the short and sweet Melon Soda.

With 3, tricot isn't reinventing the wheel. It's another very solid collection of jazzy math rock from a group who has yet to miss a beat. The band has simply refined their formula and put out an unsurprising but just as welcomed album which fits neatly into the band's discography. It's excellent work.

-Justin

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