Trinkets – I am, you are (2025)
If The Cure and My Bloody Valentine were to have a love child, the chances are Trinkets would be it. Using an intriguing blend of vintage post-punk with modern-day noise-pop, the Irish five-piece are both familiar and refreshingly new in their eerie repose. We came across Trinkets a couple of months ago with their single, ‘End Is Near’, and from there discovered some hidden gems in their back catalogue. Today, however, we look to the future and take a gander at their most recent release, I am, you are.
Following the well-received single ‘End Is Near’, I am, you are is a five-track EP where Trinkets are able to not only show their genre-diversity but also highlight eclectic originality. From the grunge-tinged tones of ‘Weatherman’ to the indie-pop ‘End Is Near’ and rock-inspired ‘Zombie Zone’, the band brood with sentiments of The Cranberries to The Cure and Garbage.
Opening with the ‘Zombie Zone’, Trinkets might draw you into their creepy sonic forest with a soft intro; however, the lull of wistful languidness quickly shifts to a hard-hitting rush of alternative rock. Interestingly, while the first track is a punch to the gut within an ethereal haze, ‘End Is Near’ takes its place with shimmering floods of whimsical innocence and sincerity. Next, ‘Ghost’ continues to soften the blow of ‘Zombie Zone’, but there is a rock lilt that might break at any moment… and it does with bombastic flair. Ending I am, you are with ‘Weatherman’ and ‘Cherry’, Trinkets raises you on a tumultuous crash in ‘Weatherman’ but sets you down in a calm, soothing ‘Cherry’.
Each single of I am, you are breathes uniqueness, but it is the overall instrumentation that places Trinkets high in my esteem. From ‘Zombie Zone’ to ‘Cherry’, Trinkets allow crashing drums, scorching guitars, a bold bass, and glistening keyboards to whirl about you, take you on a sonic rollercoaster, and then leave you with a soul-stirring smile on your face. Interestingly, as the group allows diversity with the instruments and arrangement, it is the ethereal vocals that seem to slice through the EP with a silvery tail.
One aspect I find intriguing with each of Trinkets’ tracks is the ending. While they might have the option of peeterring away, each single has a brash, abrupt, and resolute closing. It’s like having a conversation with a friend that ends with a full-stop instead of a “we’ll chat about this again when I see you”.
In some cases, choosing a favourite track off an album, and this is the case with Trinkets’ I am, you are. For me, however, I must choose ‘Ghost’. For me, it showcases the powerful force of Trinkets, as well as exploring their vulnerable tenderness. Then again, that’s just me – I leave you to choose your favourite.
Find out more about Trinkets on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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