Review: The Damn Truth ‘The Damn Truth’
By Charlie Steffens
Following up 2021’s very well-received ‘Now or Nowhere,’ Canadian rock band The Damn Truth is set to release its fourth studio album. The self-titled 11-track musical offering showcases the dynamic musicianship and masterful songwriting of Lee-La Baum (vocals, guitar), Tom Shemer (guitar, vocals), PY Letellier (bass vocals), and Dave Traina (drums, vocals). Returning to the studio to with The Damn Truth was producer Bob Rock (Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Metallica, Bon Jovi) who worked with the band on their previous record. Rock’s understanding of the band’s musical vision has undoubtedly made him a fifth member of this band.
This is what Bob told the band at the start of this project, “When I hear you guys, I feel the spirit of Zep 1, let’s make a record like that, playing together, live, feeding off each other’s energy. That’s rock n roll.”
Set to Letellier’s percussive bass and Traina’s strong drumming, “I Just Gotta Let You Know” is a rock song that was made loud to be played loud. Loaded with hooks, Baum’s in-your-face, sing-it-with-conviction vocals complements Shemer’s guitar sorcery, making it a track you want to play again and again.
“If I Don’t Make It Home,” a peace and love anthem, teems with atmospheric instrumentation and choir-like background vocals in the chorus. Baum’s resonant voice soars, evoking heartfelt emotions to a world growing cold.
The power and grit of “Mirror Mirror” shows Shemer’s brilliance on guitar. Whether he momentarily mimicked The Plimsouls “A Million Miles Away,” his incendiary licks backed by his bandmates’ syncopation, is most high. Bravo.
The infectiously listenable “All Night Long” shows how tight The Damn Truth play together. Baum’s cadence synchronized with Letellier’s bass line, Traina’s drums, and Shemer’s guitar makes this a bonafide rock n’ roll superpower. Baum sings her ass off about the tales and exploits of rock n’ roll, whether real or imaginary, making her persona even more intriguing.
With a poignant, yet fond look back to a love that could not be, “Better This Way” is beautifully layered with a pop-rock sensibility and has an ultra-accessible radio appeal that makes it an instant classic.
“The Willow” is a wistful ode, affirming that transcendence born of pain and music is the healer. Baum’s resonant voice and folk singer sensibilities are reminiscent of singer/songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. This album contains both literal and metaphorical lyrical gems.
Another standout track “Addicted,” pumps with a funked-up groove that gives Shemer the platform to flaunt his guitar mojo.
Big on hooks, catchy riffs, along with light orchestration on a few tracks, this self-titled album shows the value in taking the extra time to stretch out and record original material that was previously uncharted. Each member of the quartet brings their own range of influence to the music, and the amalgamation is an exciting guitar-driven sound that is uniquely theirs. Whether playing a stripped down, unplugged gig or on a stage backed with a classic stack of amps, The Damn Truth’s appeal is that they love what they do (and they have always looked bitchin’ in their hippie stage clothes). The raw, live sound comes over with this exciting new album.
Pre-order the album here
“Better this Way”
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