Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Push from Trevor Rabin's stellar album Rio, a track that’s got the kind of energy to make your tie-dye spin! This song, the second single from Rabin’s first vocal-led solo album in 34 years, dropped on September 5, 2023, and it’s a sonic journey. Rabin shared that Push was inspired by his frustration with "the horror of politics and politicians," giving it a raw, rebellious edge that fits right into the Zoo Crew’s vibe. The track’s driving force came alive when drummer Vinnie Colaiuta laid down his parts, prompting Rabin to reimagine some of the instrumentation. He noted, "Vinnie’s performance lifted this song beyond what I imagined," and you can feel that intensity in every beat. Fun fact: the strings at the end of Push were so epic that Rabin used them to kick off live shows with his band ARW (Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman). The music video, directed by Christian Rios, adds a visual punch, and Rabin himself posted about its release on X, hyping up fans with a link to check it out.
Another cool tidbit about Push is how it reflects Rabin’s genre-blending style. Fans on the Yesfans forum called it "energetic" and "nuanced," with some saying it’s what a modern Yes could sound like in 2023. The song starts with a folky prog vibe before diving into distorted grooves, showcasing Rabin’s knack for weaving different sounds together. He’s described Rio as a "demographic nightmare" because it refuses to stick to one style, and Push is a perfect example with its mix of prog, rock, and a touch of folk. Rabin’s son, Ryan, also contributed to the album’s percussive arrangements, adding a family touch to the project. The track’s outro, with its intricate guitar work, has been praised for its "twiddly bits," a nod to the complex layers Yes fans love. If you’re digging this, you might want to join the Trevor Rabin Music Facebook community, where fans share their love for his work.
Now, let’s rewind to how Trevor Rabin got his start, because this guy’s journey is as wild as a Zoo Crew dance party. Born on January 13, 1954, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Rabin grew up in a musical family, picking up piano and guitar as a kid. By his teens, he was already a session musician, laying down tracks and producing for local artists. In 1972, he joined the rock band Rabbitt, which became a big deal in South Africa, scoring hits and earning him a SARI Award for production. His first solo album, Beginnings, dropped in 1977, recorded in just six and a half weeks while he basically lived in the studio. Rabin moved to London in 1978 to level up his career, working with artists like Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, before heading to Los Angeles in 1981. That’s where he hit the big time, joining the progressive rock legends Yes in 1983. His demos turned into the smash album 90125, featuring the chart-topping Owner of a Lonely Heart, which made Yes a household name. Rabin’s time with Yes, plus his later work scoring blockbuster films like Armageddon and National Treasure, cemented his status as a music icon.
Rabin’s versatility doesn’t stop at music—he even painted the cover art for Rio, dabbling in digital art as a hobby. You can dive deeper into his world on his official website, where you’ll find updates on his projects. Follow him on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and check out his posts on X for the latest news. The Trevor Rabin Music Facebook page is a great spot to connect with other fans, and the Yesfans forum is buzzing with discussions about his Yes days and solo work. For a super deep dive, check out the fan blog Rabin-esque, which is packed with obsessive research and love for his music. So, Zoo Freaks, keep spinning Push and let Trevor Rabin’s vibes take you to the stars!
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