The headline grabber for Trapper Schoepp’s newest album Primetime Illusion is that the singer/songwriter has co-written a song with none other than Bob Dylan himself. That track “On, Wisconsin” is the last song on the record but before it spins, Schoepp delights the listener with a mix of Americana, easy rolling 70’s influenced rock and folksy charm.
Produced by Patrick Sansone (Wilco, Robyn Hitchcock) The Milwaukee based artist lifted himself out of a personal creative rut to create Primetime Illusion as images of hardship and struggle are planted next to lyrics of joy and pride.
Opener “Shakedown” jangles, has plinky piano and uses a few ba-ba-ba vocals with great shimmering effect while “What You Do To Her” picks up a harmonica with organic riffs (as well as call-out sexual harassment lyrics and backing vocals from Nicole Atkins) both calling to mind Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers sound. A lot of Schoepp’s influences are obvious as his style reminds of some of the best voices in classic rock; his singing, in particular, is eerily reminiscent of Brendan Benson.
The best song on the record “It’s Over” is loaded with fantastic lyrics about tattoos, barking dogs and fading time in a winning middle American Bruce Springsteen inspired style while the modern day blues of “Back Up Plan” recalls Buddy Holly. The swaggering rock of “All My Nines Were X’s” has a glam rock buzzing feel mixed with a country heart while the piano-driven “Drive Thru Divorce” recalls heated romance and quickly cooling hearts after a Las Vegas marriage and title aftermath.
There aren’t many missteps on Primetime Illusion, the only time things feel forced and out of place is the preachy lyrics of “TV Shows” or when Schoepp tries to get aggressive and hard rocking with “Freight Train”. Both aspects feel forced and awkward; the artist is much more effective slowing down with a song like the wounded/heartbroken “Sleight of Hand”.
Closer “On, Wisconsin” was a manuscript lyric from Dylan Schoepp came across and added a melody and some lyrics to add his own spin to Dylan’s imagery. To his surprise, Dylan signed off on the tune and like with Old Crow Medicine Show and “Wagon Wheel” they will share the publishing of the track. The song is a waltzing testament to his home state, name-checking their biggest industries and cities while instrumentation and vocals gradually grow throughout.
A solid wrap up to an album which is confident and flourishing throughout, Schoepp’s songwriting is influenced by classic rock songwriters but he has his own style and successful ways.
