THE EFFECT (Trev Lukather) – The Effect (2024) *HQ*

When Trev Lukather started playing guitar in his early teens, he received some sage advice from his dad, Toto rocker Steve Lukather. He said; “Don’t focus on flashy guitar licks — that does not matter,’” Trev recalls. “The songs are what matter, because those live on forever.”
Trev, 36, took the words of wisdom to heart as he forged his own path in the music world, which as of late has yielded an exciting, if unexpected, new turn: THE EFFECT, a band he formed last year with Nic Collins (son of legendary drummer Phil Collins), Steve Maggiora (who’s toured with Toto) and singer Emmett Stang.
And they must be doing things right, and on their debut album “The Effect” they have as guest Steve Perry on vocals on one track – and Perry doesn’t guest so often…
And we can hear the reason: THE EFFECT is a soulful, rocking album with a modern production but an unmistakable ’80s, timeless feeling.

The musical fates aligned for The Effect in January 2023, when Trev and Nic met in person for the first time after years of Instagram exchanges. Trev had seen Nic play in 2017 — and he was impressed — so the two arranged a double date dinner in Miami.
Trev had previously spent time in a different band, though the group was derailed by the pandemic. He says the experience left him “scarred,” as it was a “heartbreak” that ultimately led him to shift gears into production and solo material.
But in Nic he found a kindred spirit — someone who understood what it was to grow up the son of a rock and roll star. Before long, the two realized they’d essentially led parallel lives.

Then there’s Trev’s wife Madison Cain, whom he credits as a “huge part” of the band’s success. Madison — whose dad is Journey rocker Jonathan Cain — and her sister have helped style the group, and she’s also doing backing vocals in the album, snapped photographs and directed music videos.

So, this all rock star sons band have any talent on offer? Darn Yes.
These guys outperform their legendary musical lineage, thanks in part to their respective fathers, Phil Collins and Steve Lukather. They have obvious great taste in music and know how to craft songs that stick in your head. Trev mentioned in a past interview that they never really decided on a specific sound. Instead, it all came together naturally, with each member contributing equally to a perfect, polished, and unique sound.

Emmett Stang, a terrific find by Trev, joined the band after connecting on social media. His powerful vocals immediately impressed Trev, and it’s easy to see why he was the perfect fit. He delivers masterful performances on every song, showcasing his incredible range.
Steve Maggiora not only lights up the keys but also bolsters the choruses and melodies with his impressive vocals. Together, Emmett, Trev, and Steve create harmonious vocal melodies.

“Unwanted”, their first single/video, immediately grab your attention. This song is a catchy anthem with a powerful chorus and an accessible structure. Then there’s the cool riff of “Toxic Envy”, which starts with an interesting drum pattern by Collins. Lukather delivers a killer guitar solo midway through, and the vocal layering is perfectly done.
Another exquisite tune is “Sadistic Love”, which also features a powerful anthem and a strong vocal performance from Stang. The song is delivered with conviction.
“High Life” brings a touch of ’80s hard rock, demonstrating the band’s versatility. The killer chorus and infectious rhythm make this track one of the top-tier bangers on the record.

Featuring Steve Perry on the exceptional track “It Could Have Been You” serves as a masterclass in craftsmanship. Perry agreed to sing on a reimagined version of the song from Journey’s “Raised on Radio” album after being asked by Trevor Lukather. This song is a must-listen and a reminder of the kind of music we don’t hear enough on commercial radio today.

The guys in The Effect could have easily rested on their laurels and relied on their famous fathers’ names, but they had no intention of doing so. They have crafted their own sound, added a terrific singer, and taken their time to create something unique and different from the current music scene.

Trevor’s production skills are top-notch, resulting in a pristine sound that allows each band member to shine. It’s challenging to come up with something fresh and exciting in today’s music landscape, but The Effect has all the talent necessary to make a lasting impression. They have the right formula to stick around for a long time. This is one of the best records we’ve heard all year.
Highly Recommended

01 – Toxic Envy
02 – Unwanted
03 – TIND
04 – World Between Us
05 – Sadistic Love
06 – High Life
07 – It Could Have Been You (feat. Steve Perry)
08 – Sight Unseen
09 – Head On Collision
10 – Something Wrong
11 – Still In It

Trev Lukather – Guitars, Backing vocals
Nic Collins – Drums
Emmett Stang – Vocals
Josh Paul – Bass
Steve Maggiora – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Madison Cain – Backing Vocals
Steve Perry – guest Vocals

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