Released by: Self
Release Date: November 14th – Digital
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock
Links: https://www.theeffectband.com/
Line Up:
Trev Lukather on guitars
Nic Collins on drums
Steve Maggiora (Toto) on keyboards
Emmett Stang on vocals
Tracklist:
Toxic Envy
Unwanted
TIND
World Between Us
Sadistic Love
High Life
Could Have Been You
Sight Unseen
Head On Collision
Something Wrong
Still In It
*updated
The Effect, a newly minted rock band, is a captivating blend of musical legacy and contemporary talent. Featuring members with renowned familial connections, including Trev Lukather, Nic Collins, and Steve Maggiora, the group is poised to shatter expectations. The addition of vocalist Emmett Stang introduces a fresh perspective, further enriching the band’s dynamic. With their seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, The Effect’s musical voyage is poised to captivate audiences
Nic Collins, a fan of the legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro from Toto, brings a pocket-perfect style to the band. His rhythmic prowess is outstanding on this record, filled with vibes, melodies, and thunderous beats.
These guys outperform their legendary musical lineage, thanks in part to their respective fathers, Phil Collins and Steve Lukather. They have obvious great taste in music and know how to craft songs that stick in your head.
Trev mentioned in a past interview that they never really decided on a specific sound. Instead, it all came together naturally, with each member contributing equally to a perfect, polished, and unique sound.
Emmett Stang, a terrific find by Trev, joined the band after connecting on social media. His powerful vocals immediately impressed Trev, and it’s easy to see why he was the perfect fit. He delivers masterful performances on every song, showcasing his incredible range.
Steve Maggiora not only lights up the keys but also bolsters the choruses and melodies with his impressive vocals. Together, Emmett, Trev, and Steve create harmonious vocal melodies.
The promo we have kicks off with “Unwanted”, their first single/video, which immediately grabbed our attention. Note the updated and final track list order will be different on the final production copies.
This song is a catchy anthem with a powerful chorus and an accessible structure. Next comes the cool riff of “Toxic Envy”, which starts with an interesting drum pattern by Collins. Lukather delivers a killer guitar solo midway through, and the vocal layering is perfectly done.
Another exquisite tune is “Sadistic Love”, which also features a powerful anthem and a strong vocal performance from Stang. The song is delivered with conviction.
“High Life” brings a touch of ’80s hard rock, demonstrating the band’s versatility. The killer chorus and infectious rhythm make this track one of the top-tier bangers on the record.
Featuring Steve Perry on the exceptional track “It Could Have Been You” serves as a masterclass in craftsmanship. Perry agreed to sing on a reimagined version of the song from Journey’s “Raised on Radio” album after being asked by Trevor Lukather. This song is a must-listen and a reminder of the kind of music we don’t hear enough on commercial radio today.
The guys in The Effect could have easily rested on their laurels and relied on their famous fathers’ names, but they had no intention of doing so. They have crafted their own sound, added a terrific singer, and taken their time to create something unique and different from the current music scene.
Trevor’s production skills are top-notch, resulting in a pristine sound that allows each band member to shine. It’s challenging to come up with something fresh and exciting in today’s music landscape, but The Effect has all the talent necessary to make a lasting impression. They have the right formula to stick around for a long time. This is one of the best records I’ve heard all year, and I say that with 100% conviction.
I hope to see The Effect live in the states soon. In the meantime, please support their release, as they are handling everything themselves. Digital release dates are November 14th, and they will be shipping physical copies of the album in October. Check their socials for more details.
Written by: DJ
Ratings: 9/10
Editors Pick 
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