New York City Streets Pt. 2

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the hard-hitting track New York City Streets Pt. 2 by Triumph from their 1977 album Rock & Roll Machine for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a gritty slice of Canadian hard rock, captures the raw energy of urban life with its driving riffs and intense vocals. One piece of trivia about the song comes from a review on ProgArchives, which notes that the opening guitar riff bears a striking resemblance to Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein, giving it a familiar yet electrifying edge. The track is part of a two-part suite, with Pt. 1 leaning into funky, jazz-inflected vibes, while Pt. 2 shifts gears into a more conventional, fist-pumping rock anthem, showcasing Triumph’s versatility.

Digging into the song’s context, LouderSound suggests that New York City Streets Pt. 2 might reflect drummer Gil Moore’s reaction to the gritty atmosphere depicted in the film Taxi Driver, channeling the chaotic pulse of 1970s New York City. Social media chatter on X from fans, like a post from @sportsrage, highlights Triumph’s underappreciated status, noting their resistance to the MTV-driven glam rock trend of the 1980s, which aligns with the raw, unpolished energy of this track. The song’s placement on Rock & Roll Machine, an album that blends hard rock with progressive elements, underscores Triumph’s ambition to push boundaries while staying true to their roots.

Triumph, formed in 1975 in Mississauga, Ontario, began as a power trio with a vision to merge virtuosic musicianship with accessible, high-energy rock. The band—vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine, and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore—started playing local gigs in Toronto’s vibrant music scene. According to their bio on triumphmusic.com, their early days were marked by relentless touring and a DIY ethos, honing their craft in bars and clubs before landing a deal with Attic Records. Their self-titled debut in 1976 laid the groundwork, but it was Rock & Roll Machine, with tracks like New York City Streets Pt. 2, that propelled them to wider acclaim, especially after RCA Records picked up the album for U.S. distribution.

The band’s rise wasn’t without challenges. As noted in a ProgArchives review, Triumph faced comparisons to fellow Canadians Rush, but they carved out their own identity with a blend of hard rock, progressive flourishes, and AOR balladry. Their commitment to authentic, non-commercialized music, as echoed in X posts, led them to step back from the spotlight when industry pressures pushed for formulaic hits. Over the years, Triumph’s legacy has endured, with eight gold or platinum albums and multiple Juno Award nominations, including Group of the Year in 1979, 1985, 1986, and 1987.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Triumph’s official website for news and merch. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Fans can also join the Triumph (The Band) Fan Page on Facebook to share stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. While no dedicated fan websites stand out, the official site and social media channels are the best hubs for keeping the Triumph spirit alive.