Despite being released in their native Norway and Japan for almost two months, TNT’s latest offering has yet to find it's way into the shops in other territories, UK included. Maybe this is down to the fact that the band have changed vocalist - Out with Tony Harnell and in with former Shy vocalist Tony Mills. Maybe it's down to a slight change in direction in the band's sound, or maybe it's down to some uninspiring reviews the album has received elsewhere, both in print and online. Whatever the reason it's a damn shame because with The New Territory TNT have put together an intelligent album that deserves more than just a casual listen.

I have it on good authority however that Mr. Mills can handle TNT's old material live -as if there was ever a doubt. What is of more import is the new material the band have now served up. TNT have taken the opportunity given, with the introduction of Mills into the line up, to re-define their sound and have collectively gone back to the music that first inspired them to take up music in the first place. The New Territory, as a whole has a very 70’s, late (very late)60's feel to it. A host of influences spring to mind whilst listening to the CD, Bowie, Mott The Hoople, Queen and The Beatles perhaps being the most obvious. Mind you Now We're Talkin, which picks up verse lyrics from numerous Beatles songs, is almost rap, think Blur's Parklife if you will. But the chorus is pure melody and the guitar break sublime, little bits of Eleanor Rigby melded with Le Tekro's oddball genius.

If the majority of The New Territory nods it's head at the 60's and 70's   then June goes even further back in time to an age of crooners and cardiganed all American homeboys. Actually it's not as  bad as it sounds, beautiful orchestration and a vocal from Mills that shows he could cut it in an evening suit belting out Rat Pack numbers... On the downside however is the final credited track, Let's Party Mills. A harmless, but meaningless little ditty that sees Mills talking in his Brummie twang listing the albums credits over some silent movie piano music. OK not a problem with this per se but why credit it as a track? - probably seemed a good idea at the time no doubt.

What was a good idea was letting Mr. LeTekro play his guitar as only he can, for the most part pure genius. With the majority of tracks built  his heavy, melodic catchy riffs it's hard to go wrong. Yes, The New Territory is a change in direction from the last two albums, (New Religion and All The Way To The Sun) but ostensibly this is a new band and  how many times have band's tried to copy themselves but failed miserably. At least TNT have had the balls to try something different, still within the realms of what they are known for, yet subtly different .

The New Territory is an album that sees the band enter a new era and, for fans with an open mind, it should prove to cut the mustard. One can only hope that any negative press the band receives doesn't jeopardize a true European release, or you giving the album a chance - it is well worth it.

Let us know your views on The New Territory

Track Listing

A Constitution
Substitute
Are You Blind?
Golden Opportunity
Something Special
Now We're Talkin'
Wild Life
Fountain of Love
June
Can't Go On Without
2 Seconds Away
Milestone River
Let's Party Mills

Line Up

Tony Mills - Vocals
Ronnie LeTekro - Guitars
Diesel Dahl - Drums
Victor Borge - Bass