THE DAMN TRUTH – NOW OR NOWHERE

Canada’s, The Damn Truth have just released an ambitious new album entitled Now or Nowhere. The Damn Truth straddle that fine line of classic rock and new invention. Even though their music may sound familiar, their creativity completely puts a new spin to the hard rock genre. Their songs are vibrant and full of life. The vocals are dynamic and the musicianship quite outstanding. With Now or Nowhere,  The Damn Truth have established themselves as a leading contender in the current music scene.

The Damn Truth consists of Lee-la Baum (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Tom Shemar (Guitar), PY Letelier (Bass) and Dave Traina (Drums). Now or Nowhere is their third full length and the band has steadily been building their fanbase around the world. Six tracks on the new record were produced by legendary Grammy winning producer, Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith, The Cult) at Bryan Adams’ recording studio, The Warehouse, in Vancouver.

Their DIY attitude appealed to Bob Rock since their sound was reminiscent of his early days with indie bands during his formative years. He was impressed with The Damn Truth‘s songs and Lee-la’s ferocious voice. He decided to record them live off the floor. In addition, the band has toured extensively opening for such illustrious artists as ZZ Top, the Sheepdogs and Rival Sons.

Not only is their music dynamic and engaging but their message is just as important. The Damn Truth use their platform to promote peace and unity. Like the hippies of yore, they believe in writing inspirational songs with feelings of optimism and aspiration. Lee-la explains: “I think with this album we tried to put a conscious effort into writing more positive and uplifting songs. Our previous albums were more a mirror of what we felt was going on in society, they had a darker underlying tone. With this record, we really wanted to bring hope and positivity back into our songs, focusing on love and not fear“.

The opening song on Now or Nowhere is the audacious “This Is Who We Are Now”. The song is a monster with its anthemic hooks and driving rhythm. Lee-la’s voice cranks with power and fervency. The guitar carries supersized riffs and the backbeat is huge. This is a definite brazen mission statement, fiercely letting the world know that The Damn Truth are alive and kicking. And you better listen. The band follows with “Tomorrow”. The tune has a psychedelic vibe reminiscent of Grace Slick and  the Jefferson Airplane. Shermer’s guitar wails with raw intensity and Traina’s drumming is vigorous.

Even though “This Is who We Are Now’ sets the tone, “Only Love” delivers the message. It’s starts out as a ballad but eventually speeds up to a mid-rocker. Lee-la’s vocals are crisp and the arrangement is perfect. This is The Damn Truth‘s definitive inspirational song.

Only love can keep us going

Through the morning of our times

And even when it’s dark

The moon still shines on

So if we hold on it’ll be all right

It’ll be all right

The blues laden “Lonely” is up next. The imposing vocals and Letelier’s memorable bass line hammers this adventurous tune. The emotive harmonies are stellar. The folkish “Everything Fades” has a rich tone and is full of delightful textures. “The Fire” is a fearsome song with a brassy sound and voracious licks. .”Look Innocent” highlights Lee-la’s colossal voice. Her edgy timbre and propulsive range is amazing. The bands also plays with explosive intricacies.

The Damn Truth close out the album in royal fashion. The band brings back the heat in “Full on You”. The cadence is aggressive with ruthless vocals and pulverizing guitar work. The solo rocks. The record ends with the sublime “Shot ‘Em”. Lee-la’s vocals are spectacular and the music is elevated. A fitting end to a lofty endeavor. This is by far one of the best albums of the year.

A few weeks ago, in order to celebrate the record release, The Damn Truth offered their fans a livestream concert. Let me prefix this by saying I’m usually not a fan of livestream shows. I tend to get disengaged quickly because I miss the energy of bands playing live. But that said, The Damn Truth‘s presentation was spectacular with tons of musical fireworks. The band was engaging and the music masterful. The Damn Truth totally captured my attention and I felt their magical fury. A job well done.

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To learn more about The Damn Truth, check out their website

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Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud

Purchase:  Bandcamp / Amazon

 

 

 

 

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