World Trade have a band lineup to dribble over. Formed from the ashes of the mid 80’s prog band Lodgic, then adding ex Stone Fury guitar slinger Bruce Gowdy.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: World Trade
ALBUM: World Trade
LABEL: Polydor
SERIAL: 839 626-2
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
YEAR: 1989
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Billy Sherwood – vocals, bass * Bruce Gowdy – guitars * Guy Allison – keyboards * Mark T Williams – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 The Painted Corner * 02 The Moment Is Here * 03 Can’t Let You Go * 04 Lifetime * 05 Fight To Win * 06 Sense Of Freedom * 07 The Revolution Song * 08 One Last Chance * 09 Wasting Time * 10 Emotional Wasteland * 11 Open The Door
World Trade Background
World Trade have a band lineup to dribble over. Formed from the ashes of the mid 80’s prog band Lodgic, then adding ex Stone Fury guitar slinger Bruce Gowdy.
However, I’m sure someone has told Billy Sherwood many times that the world does not need another Chris Squire clone. No matter how much you admire the man.
So, there we have it, World Trade, combining elements of their heroes Yes, plus snippets of Saga and Dream Theater,
And yes the song structures are complex and in some parts overly drawn out just like the aforementioned bands.
They are caught between being a progressive band and a commerical melodic rock band. Personality I think they miss the mark on both counts.
Producer Keith Olsen probably wasn’t sure which direction to take with this band, and I think ultimately it shows.
Ultimately, it’s a pretty good album, with some definite talent on board. Not forgetting drummer Mark T Williams (Lionels Dad). Brother of Joseph (Toto), and son of Film Score Composer John.
The Songs
The album intro ‘The Painted Corner’ is a dark thematic piece, before we venture into ‘The Moment Is Here’. It’s a superb slower piece which would not be out of place on Yes‘ ‘Big Generator’ album.
‘Can’t Let You Go’ is punctuated with some progressive elements. But it’s ‘Lifetime’ which is the most commercial and melodic rock oriented track here. There are some fluid bass lines from Sherwood plus a super solo from Gowdy. The best track here. Hands down.
‘Fight To Win’ again reflects kindly on the Yes influence. Sense Of Freedom’ is a hodge podge with samples, voiceovers, and keyboards from all over the soundscape from Allison.
I quite liked ‘The Revolution Song’ a darker styled piece of music. It has a subtle change-up chorus and a ripper of a guitar solo from Gowdy. ‘Emotional Wasteland’ is another to capture the aural attention, though ‘Open The Door’ and ‘One Last Chance’ do tend to drift somewhat.
In Summary
The band hung in there long enough to release a second album on the Magna Carta label called ‘Euphoria’. It appeared to be more of the same, but it wasn’t. It was far more progressive, since they had signed with a label better known for it’s progressive leanings.
World Trade on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
