The Effect – ‘The Effect’

“a change which is a result of consequences of an action or other cause”

Change; that’s exactly what the new musical collective The Effect could do to the rock music industry with their self-titled debut album, due for release on the usual streaming platforms from 14th November 2024, or earlier if you order a physical copy before then!

Consisting of guitarist Trev Lukather (son of Toto’s Steve), drummer Nic Collins (son of Phil) and vocalist Emmett Stang (with recently departed member Steve Maggiora providing keyboards on the album), The Effect released their first single this time last year, immediately grabbing my attention and giving a tantalising taste of what was to come. This was followed by a further four excellent singles, one of which was their terrific reworking of Journey’s ‘It Could Have Been You’, a deep cut from the band’s 1986 album Raised on Radio, with Lukather persuading Steve Perry himself to provide some vocals to the mix! A very limited edition 5 track EP (of which I am a proud owner!) was released on CD exclusively through the band’s webstore, along with other cool merchandise, which certainly hinted that a longer and more substantial musical offering was in the works. Some live dates with Toto on their recent European tour further enhanced their growing reputation, so, it was with great anticipation (and maybe even a smidgeon of fan-boy type excitement) that I was given The Effect’s debut album for review.

Album opener ‘Toxic Envy’ was the third single released earlier this year and is a perfect introduction to the band. Short, snappy, heavy rhythm guitar riffs lie on a bed of orchestral-like cinematic synths, with a modern sounding, poppy chorus that would fit well into the world of commercial radio. Stang’s voice soars throughout the track, never missing a note, even at the highest point of his vocal range. Impressive stuff! There’s a Stranger Things musical vibe to the first few seconds of ‘Unwanted’, the first single the band released. But the song quickly turns into a brilliant, mid-tempo rocker with a really funky undertone (think some of Glenn Hughes’ solo releases) and a magnificently melodic chorus that flies so high that it goes stratospheric! The “oh, oh, oh” vocal chorus with a driving drumbeat by Collins just before the epic solo, reminds me very much of 90s/2000s Toto; well structured, building a musical atmosphere, creating tension… and then bursting to life!

Latest single ‘TIND’ starts with a more laid-back vibe, with some cool interplay between guitar, backing vocals and Stang’s lead vocals. To describe it as an out and out power ballad would be inaccurate… but it is a mid-tempo ballad with a dreamy chorus, atmospheric synths and some brilliantly played rhythms by Collins on drums, whilst Lukather’s chiming guitars and solo add a further dimension to the track. The tempo is raised again on ‘World Between Us’, with some great riffing guitar and drums that literally shake the speakers towards the end of the track. ‘Sadistic Love’ returns to the funky-yet-ultra-melodic song structure with a chorus to die for and a wonderfully restrained, short but brilliantly worked guitar solo by Lukather, whilst ‘High Life’, another single release, is a fun-filled romp of a song with gang-like vocals that will be a fist in the air fan favourite in a live setting.

Convincing the legendary Journey vocalist Steve Perry to provide some vocals on the cover of Journey deep-cut ‘It Could Have Been You’ was a masterstroke. Strang’s vocals are outstanding on this track and mixed with Perry’s, the song goes to new heights. The original song is possibly easily missed in amongst all the classic Journey songs we all know and love, so if you don’t know it check it out… and then you’ll truly appreciate what The Effect have done with it! They’ve re-energised and updated it for modern times whilst still retaining the feel of the original. It’s a cover… but with true originality… and that’s no mean feat, particularly when covering a track by such a well-loved band with an extensive musical heritage. Lukather’s screeching guitars and Maggiora’s keyboards add new dimensions, with the track transforming into a muscular wall of sound! It’s truly breathtaking stuff… and the accompanying video is worth a watch too!

‘Sight Unseen’ is another strong, riff-filled rocker, with Strang’s vocals heading into bluesy Richie Kotzen territory at times. Lukather’s guitar solos have an almost sampled, distorted sound to them, which I’m assuming is a signature of sorts…but they merge perfectly with the keyboards of Maggiora to form an incredibly modern rock sound. ‘Head On Collision’ is similarly structured, albeit with a dreamier, more atmospheric verse that sets the rails for the locomotive of a chorus to bursts to life! It’s like Coldplay on steroids… or any other type of muscle-enlarging, energy enhancing drug that makes rock music fun!

‘Something Wrong’ continues to build on the funky guitar riff structure that has been apparent throughout the album, with another chorus that you can’t help but sing along to and is built for commercial radio. In fact, it’s so much better than most of the choruses you’ll hear on commercial radio these days! Lukather’s guitar solos continue to impress and there’s a definite nod to his dad in terms of style and structure… but hey, if you’re brought up by a guitar legend, you’re going to be influenced by them in some way… and who better to be influenced by! Final track ‘Still In It’ is another modern sounding almost-ballad, full of atmosphere, soaring vocals, a great drumbeat and a wonderful musical arrangement with synths providing the magical layer for everything else to sit upon. Imagine smoke, lights, lasers and an audience holding lighters (or phone lights, these days!) and you’ll get the idea of this track. It’s a great way to end a debut album!

As a huge music fan (and of course as a music reviewer), I listen to a lot of new music and bands. Writing for Rockfiend, it is generally rock and metal music that I’m exposed to but other genres such as country, blues and of course, the pop preferences of my good lady, Mrs Griffiths, also regularly reach my ears. But in a time where new music of all genres is often blandly similar and easily disposable, and talent and commercial success is dictated by TV talent shows, I sometimes find it hard to get aurally excited like I did a few decades ago. It’s rare that I want to scream, shout and tell everyone, everywhere about a band.

This has all changed with The Effect.

The Effect is the band I’ve needed to hear for a long time. It’s the band that rock music has been searching for to reinvigorate the genre. It’s a band brimming with talent, as musicians and songwriters, with a debut album of catchy hooks, heavy riffs, huge choruses, cinematic arrangements and polished, modern hard rock with earworm-like pop sensibilities. This is a truly stunning debut album and if it gets the exposure it deserves, it could most definitely have a positive ‘effect’ on rock music.

Stream it. Buy it. Wear the t-shirt. Ask for the songs to be played on commercial radio. Tell all your friends about it. Go to the live shows. Make sure this album is heard!

Change… it’s all down to The Effect!