Cutting a dark and sultry figure with tussled forelocks and intense gaze, Trust mastermind Robert Alfons looks every bit the purveyor of woozy, darkwave synthpop. Totally Dublin lies down with Alfons to speak about new album Joyland, the startling richness of his voice, and Donkey Kong Country ahead of Trust’s late show at The Workman’s Club this Friday.
Tracks like Rescue, Mister are extremely sensual, and a lot of critics have highlighted your music’s sexiness. Do you think this is accurate and how does that make you feel?
My music is sensual, and at times very sexual. But in the end I’m an emotional songwriter, and this is what I think resonates most with people. Rescue, Mister definitely touches on all these influences.
Your vocal range is also impressive: baritone on the single Capitol, then falsetto on Rescue, Mister – actually, is that a female vocalist? Or is your voice digitally treated?
I am responsible for all the vocals. No effects, no digital treatments. My voice is my favourite instrument because I can play characters with it, and hopefully do something interesting.
A lot of your lyrics are not always comprehensible. When I looked them up online, there were several blank spaces and question marks.
I’m always considering just posting some of them because I get this a lot. I think I keep them to myself because I want to hold onto some level of mystery for the music. For myself as a music listener, it’s important to make the song your own.
You yourself have called new album Joyland more “pop” than debut TRST. You’ve also described it as “an eruption of guts, eels and joy”. Please explain.
The first album was a pop record smeared with mud; this one is smeared with nuclear mud. It was meant to soar in ways that I wouldn’t allow the first to, hence the eruption. I got through a lot of shit in my life by finishing that first record, it was therapy for me. But there were so many more struggles involved while making this one. It took heavy positive attitude to really make things happen.
First album TRST was made in collaboration with then-bandmate Maya Postepski. How did her departure alter Trust’s sound?
I had a definite vibe I wanted to achieve on the first record, and the same for the second. I will continue to keep pushing myself sonically so I can create vast different atmospheres for every record.
Where or what is Joyland? Is it located near Joy Division and Jesus and Mary Chain’s Darklands?
Joyland is a volcanic playground of bravery. I am definitely a fan of both those bands!
You’ve stated Kate Bush and The Cocteau Twins are influences – in what way?
Kate Bush and Elizabeth Fraser – my two favourite vocalists: performances that can be one moment terrifying and the next absolutely gorgeous. I think they both took huge risks when creating music, and made records that feel like atmospheric stories rather than just songs.
Your interview with Chart Attack where you mention the influence of the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack is very interesting. For music I’ve heard numerous times before, suddenly without the accompanying game play it struck me that it wouldn’t sound out of place in a nightclub.
That Donkey Kong soundtrack is one of my favourites. I mean, it existed for me long before I ever went to a nightclub. So it just takes me to a different dimension. This is why I have really fond memories of playing video games and why my new record is so very much inspired by these journeys.
The music video to Rescue, Mister is very reminiscent of movies like Dune, while Capitol’s video appears to reference Tron and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Were 80s science fiction movies an influence?
I’m definitely a fan of outer space and aliens, and the movies and video games that they existed in. I’m always first in line at the planetarium.
How important is touring to Trust? Is it a chance to showcase already-established tracks, or hone unfinished ones?
Touring allows for a different energy that might not be as pronounced on the record. I have been spoiled with so many wonderful audiences and I truly enjoying performing.
What can people expect at Trust’s Late Show at Workman’s? Would you agree early shows are not Trust’s natural habitat?
I think it’s going to be madness! Late shows are the way to go for Trust.
Hidden Agenda and Dolittle Present Trust & Special Guest SlowPlaceLikeHome, Friday 16 May, The Workman’s Club, Wellington Quay, at 9pm, tickets €14 available here.
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Words: Eoin Tierney
