by Heather Phares

Trans Am's 1999 release, Futureworld, showcases the band's love of retro-futurism and above all, rock. Songs like "Television Eyes" and "City in Flames" feature a churning mix of drums, guitars and budget keyboards, giving the lie to Trans Am's "post-rock" label. More than anything, Futureworld is drummer Sebastian Thompson's album -- his work on acoustic, electric and programmed drums propels the music, particularly on the Teutonic "AM Rhein." As the album progresses, however, it becomes increasingly melodic and keyboard-driven, as the relatively gentle "Runners Standing Still" and "Sad and Young" attest. Throw in the poppy title track and "Cocaine Computer"'s sleazy, uptight disco, and the result is Futureworld, Trans Am's most diverse and accomplished work yet.