Truth of Fiction Truth of Fiction
By
Keith McDonald,
Contributor
Thursday, May 9, 2002 @ 3:52 PM
| (Lion Music)
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It’s safe to say that as I follow the Billboard radio charts that I am very happy to see bands like Limp Bizkit and Crazy Town slip off the charts and bands like Nickleback, Staind and Puddle of Mudd climb up. I was getting tired of the rap/metal scene that was milked to the bone by the record labels and really never saw what that was all about anyway. I am also glad to see that melodic rock has returned in some form. When this disc came across my desk, I knew I would get around to putting it in my CD player, eventually, and am I glad I did. At first I wasn’t really expecting anything special, but what I did find was a great band that played great songs. Period. Truth of Fiction is a great melodic hard rock band, but it doesn’t stop there. They add a little soul, R&B and funk into the mix while still keeping the material very melodic and radio friendly, which is not an easy task.
With songs like “So Damn Clear,” “Highway” and “Y.O.U.,” the latter providing a powerful chorus with even stronger harmonies, this Atlanta-based band should be making a name for themselves at radio very soon. Guitarist Eric Sands and Bennard Slaton are polished songwriters who understand how important song structure and melodies are. Eric adds tasteful guitar riffs and solos that add more to an already great mix. You can hear the influences of Vai, Sykes and Zakk in his playing. Bennard provides soulful, sweet vocals as showcased on “Spinning Sky” and “I Believe” that are reminiscent of a young Lenny Kravitz. Their songs also have meaning, which is rarity these days. “White World/Black World” tackles racial issues, “House of Strange” is about a whorehouse, and “Everywhere I Go” is about Leukemia.
This is the best release of 2002 so far. The rest of disc is rounded out with tracks that are radio-ready that include “Spread A Little Love,” which is the closest track to a ballad. It is chock full of energy, and the album is strong and consistent all the way through and the production -- the album was produced by the band -- is great. There is quality musicianship as the rhythm section provides the much-needed backdrop that is so important. Even though released on an indie label, there is nothing small about this band and it’s music. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before some big label picks these guys up and takes them to next level. This CD a must have for all melodic rock fans or people who dig music that is just great. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album, you won’t be sorry. Lionmusic.com.
*****
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