The High Score makes debut

Patrick Corcoran Staff Writer

Volume 92 Number 30 Monday, February 24, 2003

Artist: The High Score

Album: Sexy Losers

Label: Lynn Point Records

Never underestimate the power of six strings and an amplifier.

Using jarring guitar harmonies and an oddly eclectic list of musical influences, local band The High Score has crafted a noteworthy debut release, "Sexy Losers."

The foursome is comprised of Robbie Trosper and Chris Cook, both of whom double on guitar and vocals, drummer Jason Peters and bassist Dave Walker.

One of the few bands actively boasting of the influence of Motley Crue, The High Score also draws inspiration from Thin Lizzie, The Replacements, and - brace yourself - Black Sabbath alum and the unofficial King of Lame, Ronnie James Dio.

In addition, Trosper said The High Score regularly expands its horizons to "whatever weird '80s metal band Chris has in the van."

With songs that bounce to and from every conceivable rock 'n' roll genre, the Knoxville foursome defies classification. Opening track "Blown-out radio" is a disillusionment tune that would fit comfortably on any modern rock radio show, while "Mohawks and

Birkenstocks" is a furious indie rant. "I feel bad for you" is alt-country; "Let the stupidness begin" is a typical rock 'n' roll party anthem.

Vocal technique creates much of the obscurity in style. Trosper and Cook alternate between symphonic melodies, snarls and screams and murmurs.

The common thread among every song is the guitar, which is outstanding throughout. Trosper said Thin Lizzie's success with guitar harmonies inspired similar goals in The High Score and led to tinkering with unusual production techniques.

"Some guitars were miked the typical way, which is fine, but it's cooler to see what kind of sound you can get if you put the mike in odd places," Trosper said.

Whether casual or frantic, the guitar harmonies achieved by Cook and Trosper are intricate masterpieces - unconventional, unpredictable and unique in the Knoxville music scene. Cook and Trosper's finest moments with guitar are nothing short of inspirational. Try not to move with the sounds of "Motley who," I dare ya.

Trosper explains The High Score's guitar sound as a vital source of its identity.

"These days, popular music is so processed and compressed it loses any kind of identity," he said. "We're trying to do something different and do it our way."

With its song writing, The High Score fails to reach the heights of its guitar playing. Subject matter, generally divided between adolescent reminiscences and failed relationships, doesn't aspire to any artistic greatness. At times the lyrics are simply not up to par, although with certain songs, most notably "Mohawks and Birkenstocks" and "Drunk punk," The High Score fashions clever lines that measure up to a high musical standard. Clearly, the quartet is at its best with teasing, smart aleck lyrics.

The High Score has been a regular on-stage at the Pilot Light, the local music club singled out in "She don't love me." The band's six-string success with "Sexy Losers" ensures future appearances - both at the Pilot Light and elsewhere.

Rating: B