Let’s begin with vocalist Derek Nicoletto. One has to really… every journalist does, because he really is a phenomenal singer. Besides, a modern rocker who doesn’t want to imitate Ronnie Dio, Ian Gillan, Robert Plant (pick your own classic poison) is surely worthy of comment. Invariably, critics have compared him to a host of other chart-topping heroes (David Bowie! Seriously?), so time for a curve ball. Nicoletto brings to my mind Feargal Sharkey, assuming the ex-Undertones frontman/former UK solo star/current record company exec had been less interested in bleating like a sheep and more intent on paying tribute to ’60s R&B.

Nicoletto has a big voice, a powerful delivery, excellent enunciation, a pop spirit, and a heart full of soul that pours into every word he sings. He gives Ugly, Broke & Sober, Telling on Trixie’s sophomore effort, a sense of gravitas as well as an epic feel. It’s easy to get lost in his voice, especially as the lyrics, intelligent and thoughtful, expose on relationships and life itself. Even so, this is a group effort, and the music the rest of the band creates is equal to Nicoletto’s vocals.

Guitarists Brad Small and Tommy Kessler showcase their diversity within, from the searing solo that sears across the heavy hitting cover of Belinda Carlisle’s “Mad About You,” to their lilting work on the warm and breezy “Crash Me Up,” and on to the driving, new wave fired title track. Soaring rock, power ballads, lovely introspective numbers—the boys shine on them all. As does the rhythm section, whose tightness and self-assured performances underlie every song on the set.

Kessler also does double duty on keyboards; his silky skills are showcased on “Crash,” where his lovely playing gives the song a warm glow. In contrast, his barreling piano (in inspired R&B meets classical style) on “Eden (Take a Bite),” coupled with soaring synth lines, gives the number extra punch. He’s subtle as he is supple, providing the perfect counterpoints, sometimes as simple as a small trill, like on “The Deepest Dive,” that gives the songs an added depth. Not content with that, Kessler is also responsible for the bulk of the set’s excellent production, a credit shared with Jamie Siegel, giving the album a grand sound as big as Nicoletto’s voice.

Nicoletto himself excels across Broke, but arguably reaches his soulful apex on “Mad” and his neo-soul apotheosis on the hard rock “A.N.F.O.” With a set full of powerful melodies and a diverse enough sound to please both pop and rock fans, Ugly, Broke & Sober has it all and then some. Too bad, then, that there isn’t a record company to reap the rewards. This set isn’t so much self-released as fan released, they actually helped fund the recording via contributions through the band’s website. And Trixie didn’t stop there, also involving the fans in the writing of “Crash Me Up.” So this really was a labor of love, from the band and fans alike, and the proof is there for the hearing on every track within. [By: Jo-Ann Greene]

Rating: 5/5

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