Some bands’ first albums set a precedent and foundation for the rest of their career, while for others, the first album is a snapshot of the formative stages where the band is finding their voice and niche. Royal Trux’s self-titled debut from 1988 is certainly of the latter camp. The word “ramshackle” pretty accurately describes their first full-length release, though it shows promise. The songs are rough around the edges, for sure. More often than not, songs teeter on the edge of falling apart, sometimes even doing so. For whatever reason, the drums usually don’t sync up with the guitars. On the whole, it resembles the more-practice-tape-than-album that was that Pussy Galore’s stab at covering the whole of the Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main St. than the solid and rehearsed sound of, say, Dial ‘M’ For Motherf***er. Herrema was still learning her voice and role, too. It should be remembered that Hagerty and Herrema were just kids when they started. Seen in this perspective, it’s more appropriate to view their debut as a band learning their instruments and how to best express themselves. They would find their voice and sound soon, but they’d go through some dark and crazy experimental times before getting there.