RETRObution is the perfect storm of pop and rock with a sprinkle of soul.
After an absence of more than five years from the St. Albert music scene, the Calgary-based trio returns to LB’s Pub this coming Friday night.
“Our schedules just never worked out,” said drummer Cory Manning when asked about the long stretch in between gigs.
The other two core members are bass player John Frainetti and guitarist Kevin Thurbide who also share lead vocals.
This trio focuses on bands that lit up the 1980s pop charts. Music has always dominated the charts and influenced some of the big pop culture trends.
The ’80s was a disquieting time that reflected the pervasive demand for change. Boy George and Annie Lennox redefined gender identity. Madonna broadened the feminine sexual role, and even rock and pop was adjusting to the advent of rap.
The trio cranks out the pop tunes from a range of idols: Bryan Adams, Rick Springfield and Queen to ZZ Top, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and Journey.
“I started the band 10 years ago. At the time, I was going through personal turmoil and negativity at work. I started the band as music therapy,” Manning said.
At its inception, the band was a four-piece accompanied by a keyboard.
“But when the keyboardist left to do dinner theatre, we couldn’t find anyone of his calibre so we kept it as three. We understood that the decade was a decadent era. We wanted to get as close to the album as possible and the music is complicated. Unfortunately numerous folks tried out, but they couldn’t get it all.”
The trio adapted using keyboard click tracks from a backing synthesizer.
Most newly created bands dissolve within a few years either from creative differences, personality clashes, addiction issues or a traumatic event.
RETRObution is still going strong after a decade. Their longevity is credited to both well-crafted musicianship and personal respect.
Manning notes, “It’s like being married. You become like a family. It can be hard, but when my mother passed away, they were there for me.”
Although the trio never recorded an album, they have more than enough songs to cover three sets. Their performance at LB’s Pub starts at 9 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge.
“Come and savour this decade of music. It’s a good opportunity to step out and wind down.”
