Listening to this album I was struck by the crossover feel to the music. I know absolutely feck all about them apart from they’re Yanks and this is their fifth album so I could be doing them a complete disservice in my thoughts but here goes.  

Are they hardcore punk, nu-metal or are they attempting to toughen up the Emo sound? The truth (no pun intended) is somewhere in between.

The vocals are crossed from gruff shout along to sing along-a-track and can grate annoyingly on first play but do irritate less on repeat listening. The guitars are up in the mix with standard d-tuned riffage aplenty escorted with a swathe of keyboards which is a nice touch. It’s not quite Journey but it does lighten the proceedings pleasantly. 

Lonely angst ridden alienation is the acknowledged theme here, so don’t expect belly laughs, well not intentionally anyway. The songs are tuneful and in the main well constructed with the occasional dog thrown in, the drummer appears to be in a hurry to get finished on most tracks sparring with bass and guitars to good effect.

There are some storming moshing middle eight type crowd pleasers which translate well onto CD, not short on of vitality and belief these 5 chaps and a lady and it shows. 

This is a good effort despite nothing new to say, a familiar take on a well trodden path but still useful addition to the scene.

I just have a doubt round the vocalist, his gruff style voice is fine but when it comes to the sing-alongy type songs he does suffer a little from, well to be honest, being a bit flat.

That considered there is enough here to alert interest and encourage further listening, in parts inspiration in others perspiration, that’s the truth!!!

Let us know your views on 'The Truth'

Track List

For Love And Failing
Confession
Love In Slow Motion
The Painkiller
Kill To Believe
Dearly Demented
Line In The Sand
She’s Gone
Tragedy Of Empty Streets
Return To Sender
Hollywood Prison
The Truth

Line Up

Brandan Schieppati - Vocals
Brian Leppke - Guitar
Derek Youngsma - Drums
Marta - Keyboards
Ryan Wombacher - Bass
Scott Danough - Guitar