Treat - The Wild Card: Review

November 21st, 2025 - Treat delivered their 9th studio album, The Wild Card.  As a follow up to their 8th, The Endgame, which many, including myself, believed to be their last album.  Understandably so - Robert was 66 when Endgame came out - but it seems like they had more to say & give musically!

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when a few slightly cryptic posts came about, followed by the single release of "Adam & Evil" on August 13th.  

Now that significant enough time has passed, here's my thoughts on each track:

Out With A Bang
Solid introductory track, full of the fast paced energy Treat is known for.  Very clearly pointing to the fact that they're really ready to be done after this one (seeing the Farewell Tour bears the same name).  However, that doesn't mean they've slowed down this effort.  Catchy, full of hooks & a big sing-a-long chorus, Robert, Anders & the gang set the tone right away - they're gonna keep it cranked to 11 until "the fat lady sings!"

Rodeo
Keeping the energy going, Rodeo drives home the thought that life is very much like a bull ride in a Rodeo - you're going to get juked around, but preparing for it and persevering makes the effort well worth it.  Much like their career - it's been full of ups and downs - but all in all, it's been a great experience.  

It slows down a bit here and there, but in no means does that mean this isn't a great track.

1985
Fun & anthemic, this one brings it back to when Treat started roughly 40 years ago.  More catchy hooks, sign-a-long choruses & radio friendly (thanks 97Underground.com!).  Bright & hopeful "with our hearts still burning!" it brings me back to when music was great - and thanks to bands like Treat, it still is!  

Endeavour
Slowing down a bit more, this one's a bit more reflective on their earlier days, and how they've persevered through the years.  Somber tones throughout, but still positive, just with more keyboard driven & melodic style, Robert promises to "be around in less than a day" should you need him - just pop this in, and take a drive down memory lane with this one.  

Hand On Heart
This one cranks it back up after Endeavour, feels more feisty, little bit angry, but still controlled.  Anders delivers with a searing guitar solo, with Jamie & Nalle driving it along with that beat & base line.  Punching keyboard lines from Patrick keep it flying along, with Robert still nailing those vocals the whole way through.  Great energy and a fun one to work out to, FYI (LOL)

Heaven’s Waiting
No Treat album would be complete without a ballad or two, and Heaven's waiting delivers a wonderfully comfortable one.  Both reminiscent and forward looking, as Robert pleads, "Give me something to believe in," it feels bright, and hopeful - perfect for driving down the road, and giving yourself a bit of motivation for the day.  

Back To The Future
Bringing a bit more driving energy back up from the ballad, this one asks listeners not to "cry me a river" but to "follow (Robert) on the run" and keep moving forward to the future.  It's got good energy, and is straight forward - solid track.

Mad Honey
Starting with a middle eastern style riff, and going back to a bit of the "Skies of Mongolia" style - Mad Honey symbolizes high risk/high reward, referring to the hallucinogenic substance outright.  Much like a lot of musicians careers, often comparable to a flash in a pan, it's easy to get burnt out & call it quits.  Not my favorite track, but still a good one, when you look to the bright side - just "don't be late for the party."
 
Adam & Evil
Robert mentioned this one is directly related to his life and introduction to the Rock Music world.  Alluring and dangerous, but a worthwhile ride, nonetheless.  The song is no different - it's got a solid positive beat to it, and will get your heart racing.  Sprinkled with uplifting vibes via the keyboard, it's a great track, and will get you motivated.

Your Majesty
Another love song style ballad, this one slows it down again, and is a nice one to sing to your wife (just sayin).  It talks about fading memories, and coming to a fork in the road - asking do we keep going, because "everybody's got a choice."  Life's full of tough choices & trials, akin to "walking on broken glass," but continuing forward will lead to a brighter future.  Wonderful song.

Night Brigade
This one brings it back to Treat's heyday, back when they essentially "ruled the night," tapping directly into that 80's style energy with a bit of modern lift.  Directing listeners to push past the old guard, scream from the rooftops and just have fun with life - since we've only got one, right?

In The Blink Of An Eye
A little higher, brighter energy than Night Brigade, it takes another trip down memory lane - adding the fact that life's essentially over in the blink of an eye.  By no means a downer, but continuing to remind people not to waste their lives and make the most of things.  One last positive note before the final track - solid track, and full of good feels.

One Minute To Breathe
The finale - strong driving energy, Robert again addresses the finality of all things, but promises to stay with us in our hearts.  The ride's been fun & long, but like all good things it must come to an end eventually.  However, we can keep on dancing through life, playing this one "on repeat," it keeps the energy high throughout, and fades on a soft chord.  

Overall, a great high note to finish their career on, and one that will stay on my rotation forever.  

Pick it up from Frontier Records